Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies Recipe

These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal cookie. The coconut adds a chewy texture and a subtle sweetness, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. The combination of oats, coconut, and pecans makes these cookies not only delicious but also hearty. They’re perfect with a glass of milk or as a midday snack. Plus, the recipe is simple to make and yields a batch that’s perfect for sharing or keeping on hand for yourself.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Stir in the oats, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.

9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 10-12 minutes

• Total time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Version: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.

• Coconut Flake Variation: Use unsweetened coconut flakes for a less sweet version of these cookies.

• Other Nuts: Swap the pecans for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor.

• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for extra warmth and spice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and chewy.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough in balls and bake fresh cookies whenever you want. Just freeze the dough for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

• Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds or place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to reheat.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for the best texture, but you can use quick oats in a pinch. The cookies may be a bit softer, but they’ll still taste great.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be golden brown on the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Yes, you can leave out the pecans or substitute them with any other add-ins you prefer, such as raisins, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips.

How do I make these cookies softer?

For softer cookies, slightly underbake them, pulling them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

How can I make the cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier cookies, try adding a little more brown sugar or using a combination of brown sugar and honey or maple syrup.

Can I add more coconut to the recipe?

Yes, you can increase the amount of shredded coconut if you prefer a stronger coconut flavor. Just be mindful that too much coconut may affect the texture of the dough.

How do I store leftover dough?

You can refrigerate the leftover cookie dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls and store it in an airtight container.

Can I add chocolate to these cookies?

Definitely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or even drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies once they’ve cooled for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying treat that combines the chewy goodness of oats with the richness of coconut and the crunch of pecans. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie jar. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, these cookies are the ultimate comfort snack!