Drop Cookies: Coconut Candy Jumbles

Coconut is quite versatile. In this fun cookie, coconut has been paired with both rolled oats and candy-coated chocolate. I've used mini M&Ms, but you can use full-sized M&Ms or even candy-coated chocolate chips. You can even opt for regular chocolate chips if you like. All variations are delicious.


Ingredients


¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup butter or margarine, softened
2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1⅛ cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup shredded or flaked coconut
¾ cup mini M&Ms (optional, can be substituted)


Preparation


Heat oven to 375°F. Cream together sugar, butter, vanilla, and eggs in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon. Fold in oats and coconut, then add M&Ms. Mix until all ingredients are well distributed. Dough should be sturdy, but fairly sticky.


Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto a prepared cookie sheet. Do not flatten. The cookies will spread a little on their own, so keep then an inch or two apart. Bake for 10 minutes, until cookies are slightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet, then cool completely on wire racks.


This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.