The holiday season is all about sharing delicious treats with family and friends, and these Pecan and Coconut Christmas Cookies are the perfect addition to any festive gathering. With their rich coconut flavor, crunchy pecans, and a touch of chocolate, these cookies are an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself to something special, these cookies are sure to become a new holiday favorite!
What makes these cookies even better is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delightful cookies that will fill your kitchen with the warm scents of Christmas. Best of all, they’re completely customizable — you can tweak the flavors, add a dash of spice, or even make them gluten-free if you prefer. Let’s dive into the recipe for these wonderfully chewy and crispy cookies!
Ingredients:
- 400 g of shredded coconut
- 400 g of sweetened condensed milk
- 300 g of chocolate chips
- 80 g of pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This will ensure the oven is ready to go as soon as your cookie dough is ready to bake. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This step also makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. This will give you a flavorful base for the cookies. The coconut adds a lovely chewy texture, while the chocolate chips bring in that sweet, melty richness, and the pecans provide a wonderful crunch and nuttiness.
3. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Next, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until everything is well combined. The condensed milk will help bind the ingredients together while adding a luscious sweetness to the cookies. It’s the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their soft, chewy interior while the outside remains slightly crisp.
4. Form the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, spoon out portions of dough and shape them into small discs on the prepared baking sheet. The dough can be a little sticky, so to make it easier to handle, rinse your hands frequently with cold water. This will prevent the dough from sticking to your hands as you form the cookies.
5. Chill the Dough
Before baking, refrigerate the dough for about 30 to 60 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the dough firm up, which ensures the cookies maintain their shape as they bake. Chilling the dough also allows the flavors to meld together for even more deliciousness!
6. Bake the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overcook. Every oven is different, and these cookies can go from golden to overly browned quickly, so a little vigilance goes a long way!
7. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows them to set and become perfectly chewy and crispy. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, or store them for later.
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and keep them for later. Just place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Variations: While the recipe calls for chocolate chips and pecans, feel free to get creative! You can add dried cranberries for a tart contrast or white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation. You could also replace the pecans with walnuts or macadamia nuts for a slightly different flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, these cookies are naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your shredded coconut and chocolate chips are gluten-free. It’s a simple swap that doesn’t compromise on taste!
- Make Them Smaller or Larger: If you prefer bite-sized treats, you can scoop smaller portions of dough to make mini cookies. Alternatively, if you’re feeling indulgent, you can make larger cookies for a more decadent bite.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies:
These Pecan and Coconut Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the best of both sweet and savory flavors. The crunchy pecans, soft coconut, and rich chocolate create a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. They’re the perfect dessert for any holiday table, and their simple ingredients make them easy to prepare even on a busy day. The best part? They’re great for sharing — whether you’re sending them in gift boxes, offering them at a holiday party, or keeping them to enjoy with a cup of tea at home.
Conclusion: A Holiday Treat You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
These Pecan and Coconut Christmas Cookies are the perfect addition to your festive baking list. They offer all the warm, cozy flavors of the holidays in a bite-sized form, making them ideal for gatherings, gift-giving, or a special treat for yourself. Easy to make, easy to share, and utterly delicious, they are sure to become a favorite tradition in your holiday celebrations.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible cookies that will fill your home with the spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, these cookies are the ultimate sweet treat to enjoy this holiday season.
Happy baking and Merry Christmas