Name: Pineapple Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter, softened; ½ cup cane sugar (organic if possible); ½ cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour (organic, unbleached); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¾ cup crushed pineapple, well drained; ¾ cup chopped pecans

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These soft and chewy Pineapple Pecan Cookies are made with crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and simple pantry staples. A tropical twist on a classic cookie, baked from scratch using real ingredients. Perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you’re craving a sweet, nutty treat.

Pineapple Pecan Cookies on a cooling rack.

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There’s something unexpectedly delightful about pineapple in a cookie. It adds a hint of tropical sweetness and keeps each bite soft and moist, pairing beautifully with the rich crunch of pecans. These Pineapple Pecan Cookies are simple to make, and the flavor is anything but ordinary.

As I tested this recipe, it was my daughter who surprised me the most. She’s usually not the one reaching for sweets—or fruit in her desserts—but these cookies had her hooked. She kept sneaking extras off the cooling rack, and I knew I had a winner.

If you’re looking for a soft, chewy cookie with a unique twist, this is it. Made with real ingredients and from-scratch goodness, these cookies are perfect for summer baking, potlucks, or just something new to try on a weekday afternoon. I hope you love them as much as she does!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These pineapple pecan cookies come together with pantry staples and a couple of special ingredients that bring a tropical twist. Here’s what you’ll need:

½ cup butter, softened – Creates a soft and tender cookie base.
½ cup cane sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture. I prefer organic cane sugar if possible.
½ cup brown sugar – For depth of flavor and a chewy bite.
1 egg – Binds everything together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour (organic, unbleached) – The structure for your cookies.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and sharpens the flavors.
¼ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the acid in the pineapple for a soft rise.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps create a light, fluffy texture. I like this one, as it has no added aluminum.
¾ cup crushed pineapple, well drained – Adds natural sweetness and tropical moisture.
¾ cup chopped pecans – For a nutty crunch in every bite.

Tip: Make sure the crushed pineapple is well-drained—too much moisture will make the dough too wet and affect the final texture.

How to Make Pineapple Pecan Cookies

These cookies are easy to make and come together in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper OR use these baking stones and your cookies will not stick!
Cream the butter and sugars:
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, cane sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
Add egg and vanilla:
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the pineapple and pecans:
Gently stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple and chopped pecans. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Scoop the dough:
Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Note: You don’t want to underbake these, as they are already a soft and moist cookie.
Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or parchment paper to cool completely.

Baking Tips for Success

Want that perfect chewy cookie with a lightly golden edge every time? Keep these tips in mind:

Drain the pineapple well.
Excess liquid can throw off your dough’s texture. Press the pineapple lightly in a mesh strainer or pat dry with paper towels.
Use a cookie scoop.
A 2-tablespoon scoop ensures your cookies bake evenly and look uniform.
Avoid underbaking.
The cookies should look set in the center and slightly golden on the edges.
Cool completely before storing.
Let them cool fully on a wire rack or parchment paper to preserve their chewy texture and prevent sogginess when stored.

Serving Suggestions

These Pineapple Pecan Cookies are a sweet little surprise that work well for just about any occasion. Here are a few favorite ways to enjoy them:

Perfect for Summer Gatherings: Their tropical flavor makes them a great choice for BBQs, picnics, or backyard get-togethers.
Afternoon Snack or Coffee Break: Pair one (or two!) with your favorite cup of coffee or iced tea for a cozy mid-day treat.
Easy Dessert for Brunch or Potlucks: These cookies add a fun twist to brunch spreads or church potlucks—no one will expect pineapple in a cookie, but everyone will love it.
Lunchbox Treats: They pack well and make a great little surprise in lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Dress Them Up: Drizzle lightly with a simple powdered sugar glaze or white chocolate if you want to add a decorative touch for special occasions.

These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of flavor all on their own, but they also shine when served simply—on a plate, in good company, with sunshine or stories nearby.

How to Store Pineapple Pecan Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
Refrigerate for up to 1 week
Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature

FAQs

I wouldn’t reccomend it unless you very finely chop and drain. Crushed canned pineapple will be easier and you can usually find good options with just pineapple in them at your local grocery store.

Sure, with a 1:1 GF flour blend.

Yes, feel free. It will create a deeper flavor.

Other Desserts to Love

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars! Tag me on instagram @my.colorado.kitchen