How to Make the Best Coconut Pecan Cookies at Home

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen, and these coconut pecan cookies are guaranteed to become one of your new favorites. With their chewy centers, crispy edges, and the perfect balance of sweet shredded coconut and nutty pecans, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, preparing a dessert table, or simply craving a homemade snack, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best coconut pecan cookies at home, discover essential baking tips, and explore fun variations to keep your cookie jar exciting.

Why You’ll Love These Coconut Pecan Cookies

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these cookies, and once you try them, you’ll see why they deserve a permanent spot in your recipe box. They combine the best flavors and textures into one bite-sized treat, making them perfect for cookie lovers of all ages.

Freshly baked coconut pecan cookies on a cooling rack with golden crispy edges

The Perfect Balance of Coconut and Pecans

Coconut brings a natural sweetness and chewy texture, while pecans add a buttery crunch. Together, they create a nutty, toasty flavor combination that’s both unique and comforting.

Great for Holidays and Special Occasions

Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a simple family get-together, coconut pecan cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. They pack well, look festive, and can easily be included in a holiday cookie box or dessert platter.

Easy to Make at Home with Simple Ingredients

No need for fancy baking tools or rare ingredients — everything you need is likely already in your pantry. A few staple items like flour, butter, sugar, and eggs are all it takes to whip up a batch.

Perfect Texture — Crispy Edges with Chewy Centers

If you’re someone who loves a cookie that’s crispy on the outside but soft and chewy in the middle, this recipe delivers exactly that. The coconut locks in moisture while the pecans add crunch, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.

Essential Ingredients for Coconut Pecan Cookies

The magic of these cookies comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the rich, nutty, and chewy texture that makes these coconut pecan cookies unforgettable.

Exact Measurements

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – adds richness and helps create tender cookies
1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and crisp edges
1 cup brown sugar, packed – adds depth of flavor and keeps cookies chewy
2 large eggs – bind the ingredients and provide structure
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances the flavor profile
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the base of the cookie dough
1 teaspoon baking soda – helps cookies rise and spread evenly
½ teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavors
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut – adds natural chewiness and tropical sweetness
1 cup chopped pecans – for nutty crunch and buttery flavor

(Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or white chocolate for extra indulgence)

Why These Ingredients Work

Butter + sugars: create a soft, chewy base with caramelized flavor.
Brown sugar: keeps cookies moist and chewy compared to only white sugar.
Coconut: locks in moisture and adds natural sweetness.
Pecans: bring a rich crunch that balances the chewiness of the coconut.

Essential Tools & Utensils

To make the baking process smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
Hand mixer or stand mixer (to cream butter and sugars)
Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy)
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon (for mixing and scraping)
Baking sheets (lined with parchment paper or silicone mats)
Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for evenly sized cookies)
Wire cooling rack (to cool cookies evenly without sogginess)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake the Cookies

Making these coconut pecan cookies is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps carefully to achieve cookies with crispy edges, chewy centers, and the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

Preparing and Toasting the Pecans for Extra Flavor

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet.
Toast them in the oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Remove from the oven and let them cool — this step intensifies their nutty flavor and prevents sogginess.

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients Properly

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.

Shaping and Portioning the Cookie Dough

Gently fold in the 1 ½ cups shredded coconut and the toasted 1 cup pecans.
If desired, add ½ cup chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
For slightly thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Baking Tips for Golden, Chewy Cookies

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy warm for a gooey texture, or allow them to fully cool for a chewier bite.

Variations and Delicious Serving Ideas

One of the best things about coconut pecan cookies is how versatile they are. With just a few tweaks, you can create fun variations or pair them with the perfect drink or dessert to make them extra special.

Add Chocolate Chips or White Chocolate for Extra Sweetness

If you’re a chocolate lover, stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. White chocolate also pairs beautifully with pecans and coconut, adding creaminess and balance to the nutty flavors.

Try Toasted Coconut for a Richer Flavor

For a more intense coconut taste, toast your shredded coconut in a dry skillet or oven until golden. This enhances the texture and gives your cookies a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Turn Them into Sandwich Cookies with Frosting

For a fun twist, spread a layer of vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create decadent sandwich cookies. They make an elegant dessert for parties or holiday gatherings.

Serve with Coffee, Tea, or Holiday Desserts

Coconut pecan cookies pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, spiced tea, or hot chocolate. You can also serve them alongside other festive desserts like fudge, brownies, or shortbread on a holiday platter.

Tips for Success and Storage

To make sure your coconut pecan cookies turn out perfect every time, a few simple tips can make all the difference. From mixing techniques to storage tricks, these pointers will help you bake cookies that stay fresh, chewy, and delicious.

How to Prevent Dry or Crumbly Cookies

Don’t overbake — remove cookies when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook as they cool.
Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make cookies dry.
Use room-temperature butter and eggs to ensure even mixing and a smooth dough.

Cooling and Storing for Long-Lasting Freshness

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Place a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft — the bread absorbs excess moisture.

Freezing Cookie Dough for Later Baking

Scoop dough into portions, place on a tray, and freeze until solid.
Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Packing Cookies for Gifting or Bake Sales

Wrap cookies individually in parchment or place them in decorative boxes.
Add a ribbon or tag with baking details for a personal touch.
For shipping, layer cookies between sheets of wax paper inside a sturdy tin to keep them fresh and intact.