Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

Jeff went away on an overnight trip to visit his daughter, pick up a chainsaw (its a long story), and watch his youngest granddaughter’s dance class.  I’m sure he had a blast, and I’m so excited that he got to have that time with his family.  I’m also excited that he’ll be home some time today.  While it was only one night apart, its a rare thing for us and I like him to know that no matter how short the time apart – I miss him.  I figured a jar of homemade cookies was the perfect welcome home gift.

In case you’d like to make the cookies to welcome someone home or just because its Thursday, here’s the recipe:

Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

• 1 Cup Salted Butter, softened
• 1 Cup White Sugar
• 1 Cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 1/2 Cups Flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 Cups Rolled Oats
• 2 Cups Shredded Coconut*

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, lightly grease baking sheets.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda together, set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.  Beat in the eggs and vanilla.  Add the flour mixture and beat until completely combined.  Add the oats and coconut, mixing until everything is incorporated.
4. Shape the dough into 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheets.  Bake 12 to 15 minutes.  Cool on wire racks.

*I used a natural, shredded, unsweetened coconut.  I’m sure you could use the sweetened, flaked coconut but that might make these already sweet cookies too sweet.

Jeff and I both have a four day weekend, starting tomorrow.  I’m going to take those days to enjoy that time with him here at home and attending to some projects.  I might pop in here to toss up a photo or two, or not – either way I’ll be back to my normal posting schedule on Tuesday.