Island Treasure Cookies
Island Treasure Cookies are delightful tropical-inspired treats featuring toasted coconut, chocolate treasures, and macadamia nuts, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a glass of milk.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 3/4 cup toasted coconut ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package (1 1/2 cups) Nestle Toll House Treasures baking pieces ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add egg and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Stir in toasted coconut, macadamia nuts, and Treasures baking pieces.
- Drop by slightly rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Allow cookies to stand for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets.
- Cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding macadamia nuts alongside the toasted coconut for added crunch. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly. Make sure to use room temperature butter for easier creaming. If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to replicate the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Island Treasure Cookies make a delightful treat on their own but also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Serve alongside a tropical fruit salad for a refreshing contrast, or enjoy them with coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For a festive touch, try offering them at gatherings with other treats like Holiday Fruit Gems.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag, where they can last up to three months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until just softened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Island Treasure Cookies contains roughly 213 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of baking pieces?
Absolutely! While the Nestle Toll House Treasures add a great flavor, you can substitute with any chocolate chips or even white chocolate chunks for a different taste. Just ensure they complement the toasted coconut for a balanced flavor profile.
What if I don't have toasted coconut?
If you don't have toasted coconut, you can toast unsweetened coconut flakes yourself in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Alternatively, you can skip it altogether or replace it with other nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
How can I make these cookies more chewy?
To achieve chewier cookies, consider using more brown sugar than granulated sugar, as the molasses in brown sugar contributes to moisture. Additionally, slightly underbaking the cookies will keep them soft and chewy in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).