Oatmeal Coconut Cookies — Dad's Cookies

Both my dad and James' dad loved their cookies. James even wrote a poem for my father's funeral, "Just Baked Them Fresh," lovingly remembering his dry humor as he teased Joanne and me by putting out a plate of store-bought cookies. James' dad loved to have a few cookies with his mid-morning and/or afternoon coffee, and Marty was constantly baking and freezing large batches of cookies. Both my mom and James' mom baked versions of these oatmeal and coconut cookies, known as "Dad's Cookies" in the family. I have inherited that love, and James will tease me about the look on my face as I nibble the "little-round-objects." A bit reverential, I guess. Tied to this nibbling is the patented "Allan-cookie-crumb-sucking-technique" which surprises everyone when they first see/hear it, and it certainly drew comment from James when he got to know me. My dad somehow learned to do this crumb-sucking, and Joanne and I both do it without even thinking, surprised when someone notices. My mom was sensitive to crumbs/mess at the table, so maybe those were the beginnings of this special family talent. This recipe is my mom's version, with an adjustment to using butter rather than the margarine that helped grocery budgets back in the day. Enjoy!

Method

1
Preheat oven to 350°F (conventional) (325°F convection).
2
Cream together the butter and brown sugar.
3
Add the eggs and vanilla and combine.
4
Add the rest of the ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, coconut, oatmeal, and chocolate chips. Combine thoroughly.
5
Roll into balls in your hands and place on baking sheet. Note: the dough will be stiff — this is what you want.
6
Bake for about 10 minutes.
7
Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully removing them to cooling racks.

Ingredients

Method