Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies are just what you're craving when you need a little something sweet, and a little something rich and buttery.

*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2015. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.
I've never been to Hawaii, and it's on my bucket list of places I'd like to visit one day. Until that time, the closest I'll get is that my husband and I are throwing a big luau party/pig roast party in our backyard in the next couple of weeks. These cookies will be on the dessert menu.
We've been planning this party for the past few months and are going all out with the decorations, food, beverages, and guest list. If I'm honest here, it probably would be cheaper for us to actually travel to Hawaii than throw this party. LOL.
Here is a copy of the invitation I sent out to family and friends. I think it sets the tone for the party with its colorful theme and whimsical feeling. If you happen to be in the area, why don't you join us? You're always welcome here!
We're not roasting the pig by ourselves. We have no idea how to do that and don't feel like digging a big pit in our lawn for that purpose. We're hiring a local company to do that for us (not the big pit part), and they'll be here to professionally carve it when it's dinnertime.
Since I'm not cooking the dinner portion of the party, I've decided that I'll take care of all the appetizers and desserts instead. To keep things under control and organized (as best I can) I've started baking the cookies in advance of the party and am storing them in the freezer. The cupcakes will happen next week.
First up is this recipe for the Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies. It was hard not to sample them after they'd come out of the oven because they smelled incredible. However, I was good and waited for them to cool completely before I took some photos, then bagged them carefully and stuck them in the freezer.
COCONUT MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
Yield: 4 dozen Prep Time: Approx. 10 minutes Bake Time: Approx. 20 minutes
2 sticks of butter, softened to room temperature
¾ cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
2 large eggs
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-In a large bowl with a hand mixer, or a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugars. Blend in the vanilla, coconut extract, and eggs.
-In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually blend the flour into the butter and sugar mixture until the dough is thick and heavy. Blend in the coconut and macadamia nuts until fully incorporated.
-Drop tablespoon-size dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake two cookie sheets at a time in a preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, rotating the cookie sheets halfway between baking.
-Remove to a baking rack to cool completely and enjoy!
Additional Hawaiian-inspired recipes:
Treat yourself to a taste of the tropics with this Hawaiian Chicken Salad. It's quick to make and completely delicious with plenty of meaty chicken, dried pineapple, chopped macadamia nuts, and toasted coconut flakes. Serve it for a special occasion or just because you deserve it!
This super cute Aloha Pineapple Cheeseball will be the hit of your next summer party. It's really easy to make and it's crazy delicious too!
Whether you make Pineapple Pork Tenderloin on the outdoor grill, or inside in the oven...just make it. The pineapple gives the pork a wonderful flavor that you're going to flip over!
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Thighs are a moist and flavorful family favorite that comes together in a snap with the help of the slow cooker.
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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Carole says
thanks Renee - and that apron is so fab! Cheers from Carole's Chatter!
Souffle Bombay says
Love the apron! You are so talented! And the cookies...YES!
Cookin' Canuck says
How fun that you are throwing a luau! There's nothing better to get you in the Hawaiian mood than coconut with macadamia nuts. These cookies look like the perfect choice for your party!
Carole says
Hi Renee, I would love you to stop by Food on Friday: Coconut over at Carole's Chatter to add this to the recipe collection! Cheers!
PS If you would like to be part of the Food on Friday group, just put a reminder in your calendar this time each week to check out the new theme or email me if you would like a reminder by email. You can also see the themes coming up in one of the tabs at the top of my home page
Paula-bell'alimento says
Sweet, Rich, and Buttery. Heck yeah! Pass the plate please.
Paula-bell'alimento says
Sweet, Rich and Buttery? I'm in!
Angie says
These cookies look amazing! I know I'd love them because I love coconut!
Martha @ A Family Feast says
What a fun party (a pig roast!?!) and these cookies sound like the perfect dessert! Love macadamia nuts!
Ginny McMeans says
That apron is one of my favorites too! Thanks for getting em in the party and Hawaiin mood with these delicious sounding cookies.
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
I would love to visit Hawaii someday too. These cookies look so perfect -- LOVE macadamia nuts!
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
Now that sounds like a party I'd love to be at! Hawaii is definitely on my "some day" list, too. These cookies will be the perfect sweet treat!
Lana | Never Enough Thyme says
Sounds like a really fun party! Great menu and even nicer that you don't have to cook it all yourself, right? These cookies will be the perfectly appropriate dessert.
The Food Hunter says
These sound fabulous and perfect for the party. Wish I was going!
Amanda @ The Kitcheneer says
I too have never been to Hawaii...sigh... but can I have a to go bag of these cookies? Please?! Coconut and macadamia sound like the perfect match!
Back for Seconds says
That sounds like a fabulous party - wish I was going 😉 Also, I really want to go back to Hawaii...with a big bag of these cookies for the plane ride!
Tasha @thatssoyummy says
These cookies look great and so yummy!