Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies

These Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the chewiness of oats with the rich flavors of coconut and pecans. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet. These cookies stand out with their soft texture and irresistible taste, making them a favorite among cookie lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: You only need simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 36 cookies, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of oats, coconut, and pecans creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
• Great for Snacking: These cookies are perfect for afternoon snacks or as a dessert.

Tools and Preparation

To make these cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or butter for greasing
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A sturdy mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spills.
• Electric hand mixer: This tool makes it quick to cream butter and sugars together, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

Ingredients

These soft and chewy oatmeal coconut pecan cookies are perfect for snacking or having for dessert.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (can use organic dark brown sugar if preferred)
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar (can use organic cane sugar if preferred)
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 1/2 cups uncooked old-fashioned oats
– 1 cup finely chopped pecans
– 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

How to Make Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. You can use an electric hand mixer or just a spoon.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Oats and Nuts

Gently fold in the uncooked oats, chopped pecans, and sweetened coconut flakes until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop (or your hands), form dough balls about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. If you find the dough too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before scooping.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-14 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy these delicious Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later!

How to Serve Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies

These oatmeal coconut pecan cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few creative serving ideas. Here are some suggestions to enjoy these delicious treats.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of the cookies. Use cold or warm milk for a comforting treat.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert that melts in your mouth.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Enjoy cookies alongside slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or peaches. The sweetness of the fruit complements the richness of the cookies.

Make a Cookie Sandwich

• Spread your favorite nut butter between two cookies for a tasty and filling snack that’s great for any time of day.

Accompany with Hot Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth and aroma enhance the cookie’s flavor profile perfectly.

Add to Gift Baskets

• Package cookies in decorative boxes as gifts. They make a thoughtful addition to any gift basket for friends and family.

How to Perfect Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies

To achieve the perfect batch of oatmeal coconut pecan cookies, keep these tips in mind. They’ll help ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and fluffiness.

• Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before scooping. This will make it easier to handle.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when they are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or different nuts to customize your cookie experience.

Best Side Dishes for Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies

While these oatmeal coconut pecan cookies are satisfying on their own, pairing them with delightful side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness next to sweet cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that complements the chewiness of the cookies.

3. Nutty Granola: Serve a bowl of crunchy granola as a crunchy complement that adds texture alongside your chewy treats.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Create a fun dipping experience by serving melted chocolate fondue where you can dip pieces of cookie.

5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances out sweetness, providing an interesting flavor combination with each bite.

6. Homemade Chia Seed Pudding: The smooth texture and subtle sweetness of chia pudding pairs wonderfully with oatmeal coconut pecan cookies.

7. Frozen Yogurt Cups: Offer small cups of frozen yogurt topped with nuts or coconut flakes for a refreshing and creamy side option.

8. Herbal Tea Selection: A variety of herbal teas can provide soothing flavors that balance out the richness of these delicious cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your oatmeal coconut pecan cookies turn out perfect, watch out for these common mistakes.

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level your measuring cup for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling step: If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies retain their shape.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking for too long can dry out cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove when edges are golden brown.
• Using old ingredients: Expired baking soda or old oats can affect texture and flavor. Always check the freshness of your ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies

• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350º F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making oatmeal coconut pecan cookies.

Can I substitute other nuts in oatmeal coconut pecan cookies?

Yes! You can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor.

How do I make these oatmeal coconut pecan cookies gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

What can I add to oatmeal coconut pecan cookies?

Consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds for extra flavor and texture.

How should I store leftover oatmeal coconut pecan cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These oatmeal coconut pecan cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits. Try this recipe today, and you’ll have a delightful treat that’s perfect for snacking or dessert!