Hawaiian Drop Cookies

Hawaiian Drop Cookies Recipe - Taste the Aloha Spirit!

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Hawaiian Drop Cookies are a delightful tropical treat that combines the flavors of pineapple and coconut in a soft and chewy cookie. These cookies are perfect for a summer picnic or luau-themed party.

History

The origins of Hawaiian Drop Cookies are unclear, but they are believed to have been inspired by the tropical flavors of Hawaii. The combination of pineapple and coconut in a cookie is reminiscent of the popular Hawaiian dessert, Haupia.

Ingredients

2 cups plain / all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.67 cup butter
1.25 cups sugar
0.5 tsp vanilla essence
0.5 tsp almond essence
2 tbsp sour cream
0.75 cup crushed pineapple, drained
0.5 cup desiccated coconut / powdered coconut

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 160°C / 325°F / gas mark 3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream together the butter, sugar, and flavorings.
Beat in the sour cream until the mixture is fluffy.
Blend in the pineapple and the dry ingredients.
Drop by the teaspoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet, 3 inches apart.
Sprinkle with coconut and bake for 20 minutes.
Cool in the oven until firm and remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Variations

Add chopped macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
Substitute the almond essence with coconut extract for a more intense coconut flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the cookie dough.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a more intense coconut flavor, toast the coconut before sprinkling it on top of the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a soft and tender cookie.

- Dropping the dough by the teaspoon ensures that the cookies bake evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned or fresh pineapple in place of crushed pineapple.

- Margarine can be substituted for butter for a dairy-free version of these cookies.

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a platter and garnish with fresh pineapple slices and mint leaves for a festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these cookies with a tropical fruit salad or a scoop of coconut ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to warm them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hawaiian Drop Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hawaiian Drop Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hawaiian Drop Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hawaiian Drop Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hawaiian Drop Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Hawaiian Drop Cookies contain dairy (butter, sour cream) and tree nuts (coconut).

Summary

Hawaiian Drop Cookies are a sweet treat that is moderate in calories and contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Hawaiian Drop Cookies are a delightful tropical treat that is perfect for any occasion. With the flavors of pineapple and coconut, these soft and chewy cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a hot summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a colorful picture of Hawaiian Drop Cookies caught my eye. The recipe seemed simple enough, but the combination of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts intrigued me.

I decided to give it a go and gathered all the necessary ingredients. I mixed together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, I creamed together butter and sugar until it was light and fluffy. Then, I added in a beaten egg, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts. The smell of the tropical ingredients filled my kitchen, transporting me to a sunny beach in Hawaii.

Once everything was well combined, I dropped spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and popped it into the oven. As the cookies baked, the sweet aroma wafted through the house, making my mouth water in anticipation. Finally, the timer dinged, and I pulled out a batch of golden brown cookies that looked and smelled absolutely delicious.

I let them cool for a few minutes before taking a bite. The first taste was pure bliss - the chewy texture of the coconut, the tanginess of the pineapple, and the crunch of the macadamia nuts all melded together in perfect harmony. I couldn't believe how good they turned out!

I immediately packed up a few cookies to share with my friends and family. They all raved about the unique flavor combination and begged me for the recipe. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, and I would be making these Hawaiian Drop Cookies for years to come.

Over the years, I have made these cookies for countless gatherings and special occasions. They have become a signature dish of mine, loved by all who taste them. I have shared the recipe with many friends and family members, each one adding their own twist to make it their own.

One day, while visiting a friend in Hawaii, I had the opportunity to learn how to make authentic Hawaiian Drop Cookies from a local baker. She showed me how to source the freshest ingredients, like using local pineapples and coconuts, to enhance the flavor of the cookies. She also shared with me a secret ingredient - a touch of rum extract - that really brought out the tropical flavors.

I was so grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and incorporate her tips into my own recipe. The next time I made Hawaiian Drop Cookies, I added a splash of rum extract, and it took the cookies to a whole new level. The subtle hint of rum paired perfectly with the pineapple and coconut, creating a truly decadent treat.

As I continued to make these cookies over the years, I realized that they not only brought joy to those who tasted them but also connected me to my heritage. My grandmother had always loved to cook and bake, passing down her recipes and traditions to me. Making Hawaiian Drop Cookies became a way for me to honor her memory and share a piece of my family's history with others.

I am grateful for the journey that led me to discover this recipe and for all the memories I have created along the way. The smell of fresh pineapple, the crunch of macadamia nuts, and the taste of tropical coconut will always remind me of the joy and love that cooking and baking bring into my life. And I hope that each time someone takes a bite of my Hawaiian Drop Cookies, they too feel a little piece of that happiness and warmth.