Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies Recipe

Introduction

I recently tried making Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies for a family gathering, and they were an absolute hit! These cookies are a delightful blend of rich, semi-sweet chocolate chips, crunchy pecans, and sweetened coconut flakes, all held together with a smooth, sweet condensed milk base. The flavor combination is heavenly, and the texture is perfectly chewy with a slight crispness on the outside. What’s great about these cookies is that they’re not only easy to make, but they also hold their shape well, making them perfect for any occasion. They have become a favorite in our household, and every time I make them, they disappear faster than I can count. If you’re a fan of coconut and chocolate, these cookies will quickly become your go-to treat!

Ingredients

• 14 oz. bag sweetened coconut flakes
• 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the sweetened coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. Stir them together until well mixed.
3. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk:
   Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the bowl with the coconut, chocolate, and pecans. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the condensed milk.
4. Shape the Dough:
   Using an ice cream scooper or spoon, scoop out the dough and shape it into discs. Gently pat the tops down to flatten them slightly. This helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them a nice shape. To prevent the dough from sticking to your hands, rinse your hands frequently or keep a small bowl of water nearby to dampen your fingers as needed.
5. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended):
   For best results, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
6. Bake the Cookies:
   Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the coconut start to turn golden brown.
7. Cool Before Serving:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart while they’re still warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per Serving: 190

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on specific product choices.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve

These Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them in various ways to enhance the experience:

• With a Cold Glass of Milk: These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk, which complements the sweetness and richness of the coconut and chocolate.
• As a Dessert for Parties: Serve them as a sweet treat at your next party or family gathering. They are sure to be a crowd favorite.
• As an Afternoon Snack: Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon snack with your favorite tea or coffee.
• With Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.

Additional Tips

1. Keep Your Hands Moist: Since the dough is sticky, dampen your hands with water or rinse them frequently to avoid the dough sticking to your fingers.
2. Chill the Dough: For better results and to prevent spreading, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
3. Use Sweetened Condensed Milk Carefully: Since the sweetened condensed milk is already sweet, be careful when adding extra sugar or sweeteners to avoid making the cookies overly sweet.
4. Customize the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts.
5. Check the Cookies Early: Every oven is different, so start checking the cookies around the 10-minute mark. They should be golden brown on the edges and slightly soft in the center.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips work great, you can substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor.
• Coconut-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can replace the coconut flakes with oats for a chewy texture.
• Nut-Free Version: Leave out the pecans to make these cookies nut-free, or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a crunchy alternative.
• Dried Fruit Version: Add some dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins to the dough for a fruity twist on the classic cookie.

Serving Suggestions

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve these cookies alongside fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or banana slices for a refreshing contrast.
• On a Dessert Platter: Add these cookies to a dessert platter with other treats like brownies, cookies, or mini cupcakes to offer variety for guests.
• For a Movie Night: These cookies are perfect for movie night, offering the right balance of sweet and crunchy to satisfy your cravings while you watch your favorite films.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing:
These cookies freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time for later. Once they have cooled completely, store the cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Storing Leftovers:
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these cookies without pecans?
   Yes, you can omit the pecans if you prefer a nut-free version. You can also substitute them with other nuts or seeds, or simply skip them.
2. Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes instead of sweetened coconut?
   Yes, but keep in mind that you might need to adjust the sugar or sweetener in the recipe to compensate for the lack of sweetness in the unsweetened coconut.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or gluten-free oats instead of the regular coconut flakes and adding some gluten-free flour to help hold the mixture together.
4. Can I freeze the dough instead of baking it right away?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
5. How can I make these cookies softer?
   If you prefer a softer cookie, remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start turning golden brown, and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use any milk substitute like almond milk or coconut milk, but it might slightly affect the texture of the cookies.
7. How can I make these cookies more chewy?
   If you prefer chewy cookies, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or a small amount of corn syrup to the dough.
8. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cookies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
9. Do I need to let the cookies cool completely before serving?
   While it’s not necessary, letting the cookies cool completely will help them firm up and hold their shape better.
10. Can I add more chocolate chips to the dough?
    Absolutely! If you’re a fan of extra chocolate, feel free to add more chocolate chips for a richer, more indulgent cookie.

Conclusion

Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and coconut. With their chewy texture, rich flavor, and nutty crunch, these cookies are a guaranteed hit at any gathering or simply as an everyday snack. They’re quick to prepare and bake, and they freeze well, making them ideal for meal prep or preparing in advance. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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