Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies

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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