island cookie bars

Name: Island Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 32
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cup(s) whole-wheat pastry flour; 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt; 3/4 cup(s) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup(s) brown sugar, firmly packed; 3/4 cup(s) natural peanut butter; 1/4 cup(s) crushed pineapple, juices drained; 2 tablespoon(s) butter; 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 1/4 cup(s) white chocolate; 1/2 cup(s) sweetened flaked coconut

(27 RATINGS)

7.02K Pinches 13 Photos

Emily Glover

Lawrence, KS

Updated on Mar 12, 2026

These bars bring back memories of my honeymoon in the Bahamas. Naturally, I love every bite!

Rate

Blue Ribbon Recipe

These island cookie bars were a huge crowd-pleaser. When we first saw the recipe, we wondered if peanut butter and pineapple work in a cookie bar? One bite and we knew we were wrong to doubt it. The chewy, a touch savory peanut butter base is delicious with the fruity pineapple. White chocolate chips add pops of sweetness. Toasted coconut on top adds that extra bit of island flavor.

— The Test Kitchen

prep time 20 Min

cook time 25 Min

method Bake

yield 32 serving(s)

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
3/4 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, juices drained
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups white chocolate
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

How To Make island cookie bars

Test Kitchen Tips

We couldn't find whole wheat pastry flour. We used whole wheat flour as a substitute.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugars, peanut butter, pineapple, butter, and vanilla extract. Beat in the egg.
Step 3

Gradually stir in the flour mixture until completely combined.
Step 4

Fold in 1 cup of the white chocolate chips, saving the remaining 1/4 cup.
Step 5

With dampened hands, press the dough into a greased 9 x 13" baking pan. Sprinkle with the remaining white chocolate chips and press them down lightly.
Step 6

Bake the bars in a 350 degree oven for 22-25 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Step 7

Put the baking rack on the middle level. Turn the oven to broil. Sprinkle coconut on top of the bars.
Step 8

Broil for 30-60 seconds, until coconut begins to brown. Be careful not to burn coconut!
Step 9

Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 32 bars.
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Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)

calories: 134kcal, carbohydrates: 18g, cholesterol: 9mg, fat: 6g, fiber: 1g, protein: 3, saturated fat: 2g, sodium: 81mg, sugar: 12g, unsaturated fat: 4g

*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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