Coconut Cookies

Let me start with something silly. While I'm writing this post my toddler is in her playroom (the one we're still working on) playing with her toys. I know this sounds silly but when I see her playing by herself I feel like such a successful parent. She isn't hanging on us, relying on us or her movies for entertainment. She's sitting by herself playing with her toys and talking with them, having her own "me" time and being independent. She doesn't do this often but when she does I feel like she's really becoming a big girl. It's the little things your kids do that make you proud.

Anyway, back to baking! Chewy coconut cookies.... you really can't go wrong with this dessert. You know I have a love for coconut so when I ran across this recipe I added it to my "must try" list. And look how pretty and golden they are.... wait.... I need to pat myself on the back because I'm awesome. hehe :) Really though, they are delicious, super easy to make, and you can get creative. Add white chocolate chips or drizzle milk chocolate over them. You could even dunk they half way in chocolate and sprinkle extra coconut on. The possibilities are endless.

Sugar and butter

Add the flour mixture

The dough

Let them cool and serve

Coconut Cookies
Serving Size = 3 dozen (I had about 28)
Original Recipe

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (I probably used 1 teaspoon)
• 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. With a mixer, cream together both sugars and the butter until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter/sugar mixture until combined. Add the coconut until combined.
4. Place about 1 teaspoon sized balls (I'm pretty sure mine were a bit larger) onto an ungreased baking sheet. The instructions say place each cookie 3 inches apart but mine were definitely closer together (maybe 2 inches apart). 
5. Bake 8 - 10 minutes (mine took 15 minutes). The cookies should be golden brown and slightly firm when touched before removing from the oven. They will give a little but they will not collapse under your finger. You do not want to undercook these. The outside has a tiny bit of crunch and the inside is chewy. I usually leave them for 1 minute or so and then remove them from the baking sheet to a wire rack.

Linking to: Cast Party Wednesday, Full Plate Thursday, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, Friday Favorites, Sweet Tooth Friday, Sweet Treats Thursday, Sweets for Saturday