When the holiday season rolls around, I always find myself looking for the perfect treat to leave out for Santa—or to indulge in while watching festive movies with my family. These Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies are my go-to recipe! Not only are they ridiculously easy to make with just four ingredients, but they also pack a chewy, chocolatey, nutty punch that’s simply irresistible.
Imagine biting into a cookie that’s slightly crisp on the edges, decadently rich in the middle, and bursting with textures from sweet coconut flakes and crunchy pecans. Trust me, these cookies are a little piece of holiday magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it requires only four simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry:
- 14 oz. bag sweetened coconut flakes
- 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
That’s it! Simple, right?
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. You’ll be amazed at how easy (and quick!) these cookies come together.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, and mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated. The mixture will be sticky—this is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into discs. Flatten the tops slightly with damp hands (keep a small bowl of water nearby to rinse your fingers as needed—it helps a lot!).
Step 4: Chill the Dough
For the best results, refrigerate the shaped cookies for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This step prevents them from spreading too much while baking, ensuring that perfect, chewy texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges and tips of the coconut turn a light golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like heaven at this point—resist the urge to eat them right away!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the mixture.
- Chilling the dough is key to achieving the perfect texture—don’t skip this step!
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
Details And Nutritional Information
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (2 dozen)
Nutrition (per cookie)
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Helpful Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the mixture for an extra nutty flavor.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration step—it’s essential for maintaining the cookies’ shape.
- If you prefer smaller cookies, use a tablespoon to portion out the dough instead of an ice cream scoop.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the pecans: Use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Go dark: Substitute dark chocolate chips for an even richer chocolate taste.
- Add a twist: Mix in dried cranberries or orange zest for a festive flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet cookie, unsweetened coconut flakes will work. Just note the overall sweetness will be reduced.
How do I store these cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
These cookies are naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your ingredients (especially the chocolate chips) are certified gluten-free.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies, here are a few other treats to try:
- Triple Chocolate Brownie Bites
- Coconut Macaroons
- Pecan Pie Bars
- No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
Whether you’re leaving these cookies out for Santa or sharing them with friends and family, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around. I’d love to hear how they turned out for you—leave a comment below or share a photo on social media!
Happy baking and happy holidays!