Hawaiian-Inspired Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft-baked cookies bursting with crunchy macadamia nuts and sweet chocolate chips for a tropical treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 27 minutes layers unsalted butter, softened, granulated sugar, light brown sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 24 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup light brown sugar using a hand mixer for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until just combined. Fold in 3/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts and 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly.
  4. Step 4: Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers look set but soft.
  5. Step 5: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hawaiian-Inspired Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Hawaiian-Inspired Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hawaiian-Inspired Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hawaiian-Inspired Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hawaiian-Inspired Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.