Tropical flavors in every bite - no beach required!
These coconut pineapple snowball cookies are your ticket to island bliss without leaving the kitchen. With a perfect balance of toasted coconut, juicy pineapple, and buttery dough, they're the ultimate summer snack.
Perfect for beach parties, backyard barbecues, or just when you need a taste of the tropics, these cookies combine three simple ingredients into a flavor explosion. The coconut adds a nutty crunch while pineapple bits create bursts of juicy sweetness.
What makes these cookies special is their chewy texture that stays soft even after baking. The coconut shavings on top give them a beautiful tropical look that's perfect for summer entertaining.
With just 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes in the oven, you can have a batch of these tropical treats ready for your next summer gathering. Pair them with coconut water or a tropical smoothie for the complete island experience.
Whether you're hosting a luau or just craving a taste of the tropics, these cookies will transport you to a beachside paradise with every bite.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
These cookies come together in just 15 minutes of prep work. No complicated techniques or specialty equipment needed.
💰 Affordable
Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, these cookies cost less than $1 per serving to make.
👥 Shareable
The 24 cookies yield perfectly portioned bites that are ideal for passing around at parties or picnic baskets.
🌟 Flavor Explosion
Combining toasted coconut, pineapple, and buttery dough creates a flavor profile that's both familiar and excitingly tropical.
Coconut Pineapple Snowball Cookies
Tropical chewy cookies with coconut and pineapple
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 1 egg
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 cup shredded coconut
- - 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- - 1/2 cup coconut flakes for rolling
- - Pinch of salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix well. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
💡 Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for best results
Add Flavors: Fold in shredded coconut and crushed pineapple. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
💡 Chill the dough if it becomes too warm
Form Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in coconut flakes until fully coated.
💡 Use a small cookie scoop for consistent size
Bake: Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill for 10 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
💡 Cookies will be golden around the edges
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Shredded Coconut
Adds a nutty, tropical flavor and texture. Look for sweetened or unsweetened varieties depending on desired sweetness.
Substitutions: Substitute with desiccated coconut or add 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Crushed Pineapple
Provides juicy bursts of tropical flavor. Use drained pineapple to prevent dough from becoming too wet.
Substitutions: Substitute with 1/2 cup diced mango or 1/2 cup chopped dried pineapple
Coconut Flakes
Used for coating the cookies. Choose untoasted for a milder flavor or toasted for extra depth.
Substitutions: Substitute with chopped macadamia nuts or shredded coconut
Butter
Provides rich flavor and chewy texture. Use unsalted butter for best results.
Substitutions: Substitute with 1/4 cup coconut oil for a vegan option
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
🥥 Coconut Handling
Use a food processor to finely shred coconut if needed. For extra flavor, toast the coconut flakes briefly before using.
🍍 Pineapple Prep
Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent dough from becoming too wet. Use a food processor to crush pineapple into small pieces.
❄️ Chilling Tip
Chill dough balls for at least 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and ensure even cooking.
🔥 Baking Success
Bake on parchment-lined sheets for even browning. Rotate sheets halfway through baking for consistent results.
Variations & Customizations
Tropical Twist
Add 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts and 1/4 cup dried mango pieces to the dough for extra tropical flavor.
Coconut Lovers
Increase coconut content to 1.5 cups and use toasted coconut flakes for coating for an extra coconut punch.
Mini Bites
Form smaller 1/2-inch balls for bite-sized cookies. Reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes.
Glazed Version
Dip cooled cookies in a glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 tablespoons coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Coconut water with a slice of pineapple garnish
- Tropical fruit salad with mango, papaya, and kiwi
- Grilled mahi-mahi or shrimp skewers
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a tropical smoothie made from coconut milk, pineapple, and banana. For a grown-up version, try a coconut rum cocktail.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough balls and chill for up to 24 hours before baking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Warm cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: Chilling the dough balls for at least 10 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading. Make sure your oven is fully preheated.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to add 1/4 teaspoon xanthanum gum to help bind the dough.
Q: How do I make these cookies vegan?
A: Use vegan butter and coconut oil instead of regular butter. Substitute the egg with 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, but be sure to drain the fresh pineapple well to remove excess moisture. Use 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple in place of the canned variety.
Final Thoughts
These coconut pineapple snowball cookies are more than just a tasty treat - they're a portal to tropical paradise. With their chewy texture and burst of island flavor, they're sure to become a summer favorite.
Whether you're hosting a beach-themed party or just craving a taste of the tropics, these cookies deliver the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and juicy flavors. The best part? They're incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples.
So grab your apron and get ready to bring a little island sunshine to your kitchen. These cookies are guaranteed to make any day feel like a beach vacation. Don't forget to share your creations with friends and family - they'll thank you for the tropical taste of summer!
