The one-two punch of coconut and macadamia nuts in this luxurious muffin will make you think you're having your morning coffee in Hawaii. Drizzle with honey for an added touch of sweetness.

Makes 12 muffins

ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided
5 tablespoons chopped macadamia nuts, divided
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour (see Source) or whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg
1 large egg white
3/4 cup nonfat buttermilk (see Tip)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon coconut or vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine coconut, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 2 tablespoons macadamia nuts in a small bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; stir to combine. Set aside.
3. Whisk the remaining 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, egg, egg white, buttermilk, butter and coconut (or vanilla) extract in a medium bowl until well combined. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients; stir until just combined. Add blueberries and the remaining 3 tablespoons nuts; stir just to combine. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with the reserved coconut topping and gently press into the batter.
4. Bake the muffins until golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack at least 5 minutes more before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per muffin: 202 calories; 9 g fat (3 g sat, 4 g mono); 23 mg cholesterol; 28 g carbohydrate; 4 g protein; 2 g fiber; 122 mg sodium; 55 mg potassium.

2 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 1/2 fat

TIP: Source: Look for whole-wheat pastry flour in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets and natural-foods stores. Sources include King Arthur Flour, (800) 827-6836, www.bakerscatalogue.com, and Bob’s Red Mill, (800) 349-2173, www.bobsredmill.com.

Tip: No buttermilk? Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice into 1 cup milk.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Store, individually wrapped, at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, remove plastic wrap, wrap in a paper towel and microwave on High for 30-45 seconds.

Whole wheat pastry flower is the key to making a soft muffin hearty enough to stand up to fresh blueberries. The coconut and macadamias add excellent flavor and crunch as well.

Anonymous, Sherman Oaks, CA

The best Blueberry Muffin recipe I have ever eaten!! I added 1/8 tsp. cloves and 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg. Yum, Yum!!

Anonymous, San Jose, CA

Superb!

Anonymous, Portland, OR

I felt like I was having a healthy treat that wasn't too sweet. What a great way to use up my blueberries before I traveled. A great treat for my office.

Laurel, San Jose, CA

These are the best blueberry muffins ever and the kids just love them!

Anonymous, Springfield, OR

We liked this Ok but I've made many better blueberry muffins. I think the macadamia nuts just didn't fit for me. I like them to snack on but didn't think they fit with the blueberries here. My favorite Blueberry muffins don't have nuts at all.

Linda, Marlton, NJ

Fabulous! Everything you want in a muffin, taste, texture, crunch. A healthy snack any time of the day. My husband loved the macadamia nut-coconut topping.

Peggie , Keeneyville, IL

Definitely the best blueberry muffins I've ever tasted.

Anonymous, Renton, WA

These muffins are delicious. I even omitted the oil and substituted half of the brown sugar with Splenda. I also added in a little coconut to the batter.

Caroline, Seattle, WA