My FAVORITE Cookie!!!

I can't believe I'm doing this - sharing something so yummy and close to my heart.  You should consider yourself priviledged that I'm disclosing such a precious family "secret".  LOL!  I can guarantee that if "Mama K's Bakery" ever makes it into existence - expect to find these on the menu.  These cookies remind me of summers spent baking in the kitchen with my granny when I was a little girl. And they remind me of my dad - they were his favorite too (we shared a love of food!).

Before I give you the recipe, I feel like I need to explain WHY this is the perfect cookie.  It's sweet but buttery, crunchy and yet still chewy -- I could go on & on... it's just well.. PERFECT!  And I'm not the only one who thinks so... I gave my nephew this recipe to enter in his 4-H competition and he won 1st place!  How 'bout THEM cookies!?!?  LOL! 

Okay, okay... here you go. I'll quit stalling.

Orange Gumdrop Candy Cookies

Ingredients:

1 & 1/2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup shortening (Crisco)

2 eggs

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 pound orange sliced candy (diced & mixed with 1/2 cup flour)

1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup nuts (chopped)

1/2 cup oats

Preheat oven to 325.

Preparing the gumdrops & nuts!

Chloe is an expert "gumdrop tosser". LOL! 

Cream sugar and shortening until light fluffy. 

Beat in eggs 1 at a time. 

Sift flour, soda, powder & salt.  Blend into creamed mixture.

Fold in candy, coconut, nuts & oatmeal until mixed well.

Roll into 1" balls.  Place on greased cookie sheet and press down with the tines of a fork. 

Bake for about 12-13 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Enjoy!

I like to store these cookies in the freezer in a plastic bag or container.  It helps maintain the crispy & chewy textures.  Caution: Thaw slightly before eating, because the gumdrops may chip your teeth!