The Quest for the Perfect Homemade Coconut Ranger Cookie

My love affair with these cookies began last month aboard the magnificent Oasis of the Seas. It was more than just a passing fancy; it was a full-blown obsession. I wasn’t alone in my adoration; fellow cruisers would eagerly hover around the dessert buffets, awaiting the next fresh batch. I’d often gather plates of these golden delights, stashing them back in our cabin for a private, indulgent snack later in the day. There was even one day when these precious cookies seemed to vanish from every restaurant, and I must confess, I think I experienced genuine withdrawal symptoms!

Cracking the Royal Caribbean Recipe Secret

Upon returning home, I knew one thing for certain: I had to recreate these cookies. Since my cruise was part of a conference sponsored by Royal Caribbean, I seized the opportunity and, with great enthusiasm, begged them for the official recipe. My excitement was palpable when it finally landed in my inbox. However, a quick glance at the ingredients revealed a significant hurdle: “Praline Paste.” I had never even heard of such an ingredient, let alone imagined finding it at my local grocery store.

For those unfamiliar, a praline is essentially nuts—typically pecans, almonds, or sometimes hazelnuts—enrobed in a caramelized sugar coating. While I could have attempted to make a batch of pralines from scratch and then ground them into a paste, the thought of such an elaborate process every time I desired these cookies was simply too daunting and time-consuming for a home baker.

The Breakthrough: Toffee Bits and Chilled Dough for Chewy Perfection

My experimental baking journey was extensive, involving countless adjustments to the sugar ratios and coconut varieties. It wasn’t until my eighth batch (a true testament to my dedication!) that a brilliant idea struck me: Toffee Bits! Miraculously, I even had some in my baking cabinet. I was convinced this was the missing link, the secret ingredient that would replicate that unique Royal Caribbean flavor profile.

And indeed, the taste was spot-on. Almost. While the flavor was perfect, my cookies were consistently too flat and, more disappointingly, crunchy instead of wonderfully chewy. This setback forced me to think like a cruise ship chef. On a massive ship, efficiency is key. While many foods cannot be prepped far in advance, cookie dough is an exception. It can be made ahead, even frozen. Why would a cruise ship bake fresh dough daily when they could prepare it onshore and simply bake it as needed, ensuring a consistent product and saving valuable time?

This “cruise ship logic” led me to the final, crucial piece of the puzzle: patience. Specifically, chilling the cookie dough before baking. This simple yet vital step transformed my flat, crunchy cookies into the perfectly chewy, slightly puffed delights I remembered from the Oasis of the Seas. The cold dough slows down the spread, allowing the cookies to bake up thicker and softer. Now, even when I’m miles from the ocean, I can enjoy these beloved cookies, a delicious reminder of my incredible cruise adventures.

Your Homemade Royal Caribbean Coconut Ranger Cookies Recipe

Ready to bake a batch of these unforgettable Coconut Ranger Cookies yourself? Here’s the recipe, painstakingly perfected to bring that cruise ship magic right into your kitchen. Prepare for them to disappear quickly, as they are truly irresistible!

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Coconut Ranger Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup Heath Toffee Bits
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds
• 2 Tablespoons Cream of Coconut (Coco Lopez or Goya)
• 2 1/4 cups sweetened shredded flaked coconut

Instructions

1. Beat together butter, toffee bits and both sugars, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add in egg and egg yolk, and vanilla. Beat well. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually add into butter mixture until combined. Add in chopped almonds, cream of coconut and shredded coconut, mix until fully incorporated into dough.
2. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, measure out cookie dough and shape into balls, place on cookie sheet and then flatten to about 1/2 inch thick. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate cookie dough over night, or at least 8 hours.
3. When ready to bake, place cookies on a baking sheet, 2-3 inches apart, these cookies will spread. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 12-14 minutes, just until edges start to turn brown.
4. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on cookie sheet for 10 minutes to finish baking. Remove from baking sheet to cooling racks to cool completely.

Notes

Cookies may look undercooked in the center when edges turn brown but they will finish baking on the tray after removing from the oven.

Did you make this recipe?

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My Unforgettable Royal Caribbean Cruise Adventure on Oasis of the Seas

Beyond the delectable cookies, my trip on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas was a truly remarkable experience. For those contemplating a cruise, I’d love to share more about my journey. This was actually my very first cruise, and I had always heard wonderful things about cruising, making it a long-standing item on my bucket list. While an Alaskan Cruise remains a dream for another day, the Oasis of the Seas set an incredibly high bar for future seafaring adventures.

Exploring the Magnificent Oasis of the Seas

The Oasis of the Seas is simply colossal! As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, it offers an astonishing array of amenities and activities. We were fortunate enough to have an outside balcony stateroom, and waking up every morning to the breathtaking sight of the ocean and new horizons was an absolute dream, a truly serene start to each day.

One of the perks we thoroughly enjoyed was the complimentary room service on Royal Caribbean. Each morning, we indulged in fresh coffee, juice, fruit, and delicious Danish pastries delivered right to our door. This thoughtful amenity truly enhanced the relaxed start to each day, allowing us to savor the views from our balcony.

This ship truly offers something for everyone, catering to all ages and interests. From spectacular Broadway-style shows and multiple swimming pools and hot tubs to thrilling activities like zip-lining across the ship and the FlowRider surf simulators, boredom is simply not an option. There were endless kids’ activities, vibrant nightclubs for evening entertainment, and a bustling casino where I happily doubled my money on a slot machine – a small victory! Even after 7 days on board, I know there was so much I didn’t get to experience, demonstrating the sheer scale of entertainment available. But I certainly made time to discover all the fun, fruity drinks!

And for those moments when you just want to unwind and completely de-stress, there are plenty of comfortable lounge chairs to go around, perfect for soaking up the sun and the serene ocean atmosphere, perhaps with a good book in hand.

Island Hopping: Unforgettable Excursions in the Caribbean

A crucial tip for any cruiser: research excursions before you board, but consider booking them at the excursion desk once you’re on the ship. The knowledgeable staff can offer invaluable guidance, helping you choose the best activities and experiences tailored to your interests for each captivating island stop.

Nassau, Bahamas: Sun, Sand, and Souvenirs

Our first port of call was Nassau in the Bahamas. While there isn’t an overwhelming amount to do directly in Nassau’s main town area, the allure of Atlantis, with its incredible pools, thrilling waterslides, and pristine beaches, is undeniable and just a short ride away. I chose to spend a few relaxing hours simply enjoying the beautiful beach and the tranquil surroundings, soaking in the warm Caribbean sun.

Nassau also boasts ample shopping opportunities, particularly for those looking for local crafts. The famous Straw Market is a must-visit, offering a fantastic array of hand-woven bags, hats, and other unique souvenirs to bring a piece of the Caribbean home with you.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands: Panoramic Views and Rum Tasting Delight

Our second stop transported us to the picturesque St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Our excursion here was a multi-faceted delight, combining scenic drives with cultural experiences, culminating in some blissful beach time at the renowned Magen’s Bay.

We began our island exploration at Mountain Top, the highest point in St. Thomas. Here, amidst breathtaking panoramic views of Magen’s Bay and the surrounding islands, we savored delicious Strawberry and Banana Daiquiris (mine was a virgin, but equally refreshing and tropical!). The vistas from this vantage point were truly spectacular, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the island’s natural beauty that stretched for miles.

A highlight of our visit was a fascinating Cruzan rum tasting. I was genuinely surprised by the vast array of rum flavors available, from spiced to coconut and beyond; it was an eye-opening experience for my palate. The Pineapple rum, in particular, was my absolute favorite – a sweet and tropical revelation that I highly recommend trying!

St. Maarten: The Unforgettable Dolphin Swim Experience

Our final port of call was the beautiful dual-nation island of St. Maarten. This is where my earlier advice about consulting the excursion staff truly paid off. While several islands offered swimming with dolphins – an experience I had earmarked as my personal splurge for the trip – the staff highly recommended the excursion from St. Maarten. I am incredibly grateful for their advice, as it turned out to be an experience I will cherish forever.

My companions, Cheryl (Tidymom) and her daughter Allison, joined me on a ferry ride to Anguilla – which also granted us our only passport stamp of the entire trip – where the dolphin swim facility was located. We were split into small groups; ours was just the three of us, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience with a dedicated trainer and two magnificent, playful dolphins.

The dolphins performed 6-7 incredible tricks with each of us, including pushes, pulls, and playful leaps, creating unforgettable moments of connection and pure joy. It was truly interactive and awe-inspiring.

The actual swimming session lasted approximately 50 minutes, a generous amount of time to fully enjoy the interaction, followed by some relaxing beach time before a simple lunch (a sandwich and chips, but a welcome refuel after all the excitement!). Even the professional photos were more reasonably priced than we expected; a disc containing all our high-quality photos for under $150. Split among the three of us, that was just $50 per person for professional shots that beautifully captured the magic, photos I could never have captured myself.

After a scenic ferry ride back to St. Maarten, we still had some time to explore the vibrant island, enjoying its unique blend of Dutch and French cultures.

St. Maarten is renowned for its beautiful beaches and abundant shopping opportunities, offering everything from duty-free jewelry to local artisan goods.

The lively atmosphere, scenic beauty, and welcoming locals made me wish I could have stayed here forever, truly a gem of the Caribbean.

A Working Vacation: The Click Retreat on Oasis of the Seas

This fantastic cruise wasn’t just a leisure trip; it was also a “working vacation” for me, as I participated in the Click Retreat, a unique floating workshop dedicated to enhancing photography skills. It was an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and grow my craft while cruising through the beautiful Caribbean.

Here you can see Karyn (Pint Sized Baker) and my wonderful roomie Lynne (365 Days of Baking) during one of our styling sessions. I was particularly impressed by how huge the portholes are on this ship – they provided an incredible amount of natural light, perfect for photography!

A highlight of the retreat was a special behind-the-scenes tour of the galley, led by Executive Sous Chef Johann Pirker of Austria. It was truly mind-boggling to imagine the logistics and sheer scale of preparing three meals a day for over 6,000 guests, plus all the dedicated crew members, all while at sea!

Chef Pirker proudly shared that every single baked good on board is prepared fresh daily, from bread to pastries and, of course, those irresistible Coconut Ranger Cookies. It’s a true testament to their dedication to quality and taste.

And the desserts! Oh, the desserts were an absolute feast for the eyes and the palate, meticulously crafted and beautifully presented.

Yes, I made sure to try a little bit of everything – for research purposes, of course!

The Click Retreat, Royal Caribbean’s unparalleled hospitality, and the incredible community of bloggers made this one of the best vacations I’ve ever had. I’m hopeful you’ll notice a significant improvement in my photography skills thanks to the inspiring guidance of Me Ra Koh.

I’ve finally taken my camera off “auto” mode! Me Ra’s online tutorials, which she affectionately calls Photo Recipes, were truly life-changing for me. I can’t wait to capture more beautiful, intentional moments with my kids using my newfound skills!

It was also wonderful to finally meet in person with bloggers I’ve been friends with online for years. This girl, The Domestic Rebel, is an absolute blast, and I’ve admired her creative sweet creations for ages! Naturally, we both gravitated towards the chocolate-covered strawberries with our champagne – a perfect pairing to celebrate our meeting!

The smiles, the genuine laughter – we were like this the entire time. I always suspected Lynne (365 Days of Baking) was my long-lost sister; we were practically finishing each other’s sentences, a true connection! And that adorable little photobomber in the background is Shaina of Food for My Family. Don’t let her humble nature fool you; she’s utterly adorable and full of wonderful insights!

Even my flight home on Southwest Air was an enjoyable experience, maintaining the positive vibe of the trip. They truly have the best safety presentations, often delivered with a unique sense of humor! Our flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Atlanta was scheduled for two hours, but these skilled pilots got us there a full 30 minutes early, a pleasant surprise!

They joked that fighter pilots make the best airline pilots, and after that speedy, smooth flight, I’m inclined to agree! It was a perfect end to an unforgettable journey.

Essential Tips for Your Next Cruise Adventure

For those of you planning your own maritime adventure, here are a few invaluable tips I gathered from my first-time cruising experience that might help make your voyage even more enjoyable and stress-free:

• Reconsider the Drink Package: Unless you are certain you’ll consume a significant amount of alcoholic beverages every single day, a comprehensive drink package might not be worth the substantial upfront cost. Constantly trying to “get your money’s worth” can lead to overindulgence and potentially feeling too hungover or sluggish to truly enjoy all the incredible amenities, shows, and activities your cruise has to offer. Opting for individual drinks as desired, or even a smaller, non-alcoholic package, can often be more cost-effective and allow for more mindful enjoyment of your vacation.
• Strategic Onboard Shopping: Resist the urge to buy souvenirs or special items too early in the cruise. Many ships offer significant sales and discounts towards the end of the journey, particularly after the last port of call. Don’t hesitate to ask staff if they anticipate any upcoming discounts on items you’re interested in; sometimes they can provide insider information. I managed to pick up some beautiful Bella Perlina bracelets for myself and the girls at a fantastic 75% off after we departed St. Maarten. T-shirts and other popular souvenir merchandise were also heavily discounted on our last day onboard, so patience truly pays off!

• Embrace the Digital Detox (or Plan for Costly Wi-Fi): Internet access on a cruise ship can be incredibly expensive, often priced per minute or at high daily rates. If I hadn’t been “working” during this trip, I would have gladly disconnected entirely. A cruise offers the perfect, unique opportunity for a digital detox, encouraging you to spend quality time with family, engage in face-to-face conversations, read a book, or simply gaze at the ocean and truly be present in the moment. If staying connected is an absolute must for you, budget accordingly for the onboard Wi-Fi packages, which vary in price and speed.
• Talk to Strangers (the Non-Creepy Ones, Of Course!): One of the most unexpected and delightful joys of cruising was the ease with which conversations started. Excluding any obviously creepy individuals, of course, we had so much fun chatting with fellow passengers at the bar, in the elevator, or while waiting in line. Perhaps it’s a Southern thing, but I always enjoy talking to new people, and cruisers are generally happy, open, and eager to share their experiences. Many are repeat cruisers with a wealth of insider information about the ship’s hidden gems, best activities, and port highlights. I recall a lively 45-second elevator ride where we debated the best pizza at the onboard pizzeria with a stranger who was carrying a delicious-looking slice! (Though, on a less pleasant but undeniably funny note, thank you to the gentleman who, upon leaving the elevator as we entered, left behind a rather awful “gift”—a fart that became the subject of hilarious denials every time someone new got on. It was a memorable, to say the least!)
• Consider the Luggage Valet Service for a Smooth Departure: When it’s finally time to disembark, the last thing anyone wants is the hassle of dragging heavy bags through customs, then navigating them into a taxi or shuttle to the airport, and finally through busy airport terminals. Royal Caribbean offers a fantastic Luggage Valet service for a small fee (around $20, which is well worth it for the convenience). The night before departure, your bags are conveniently collected from outside your cabin, your boarding pass is printed, and you don’t have to worry about them again until you arrive at your final airport destination. It’s an absolute game-changer for a stress-free and seamless departure, allowing you to enjoy your last moments on the ship.

I’m sure seasoned cruisers have even more brilliant tips to share from their many voyages. If you’ve cruised before, what invaluable advice would you offer to first-timers or those planning their next maritime adventure? Share your wisdom in the comments!

Explore More Caribbean Cruise Recaps from Fellow Bloggers

Curious to see more of our incredible cruise experience and gather even more travel insights? Check out these fantastic recaps from my fellow bloggers who were also on the Click Retreat:

• Caribbean Cruise and Travel Tips | Tidymom (she has a great 1-minute video at the end that beautifully captures the trip!)
• Click Retreat Caribbean | Barbara Bakes
• Salted Cod Recipe Caribbean Inspired | Wonky Wonderful
• Click Retreat Caribbean | Blogging Over Thyme
• Click Retreat Caribbean: Part Two | Blogging Over Thyme
• A Week in the Caribbean | Kevin and Amanda
• Coconut Ranger Cookies {And My Caribbean Vacay Recap!} | The Domestic Rebel
• Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas Has Something for Everyone | 7 on a Shoestring

Looking Ahead: More Adventures and Decadent Discoveries

Fair warning: 2015 is truly my year of travel, and I’m just getting started! I’ve already had the distinct pleasure of visiting beautiful Prague and charming Salzburg, soaking in the rich European history and culinary delights. Next week, I’m off to enjoy some exhilarating skiing in stunning Keystone, Colorado, trading the sea breeze for mountain air! I promise that on every upcoming adventure, whether near or far, I’ll make it my mission to seek out a truly decadent dessert. That way, I’ll always have the perfect, sweet excuse to share all my exciting travel tales, delicious discoveries, and of course, improved photography with all of you!