Coconut Cranberry Chews

Description: Addictive; was rated grand prize winner in cookie recipe contest--originally submitted by Nancy Jamison

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange rind
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened dried coconut

Steps:

1. With a mixer on medium speed, beat butter, sugar, orange peel and vanilla until smooth.
2. In another bowl mix flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Add butter mixture and beat on low speed for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cranberries and coconut.
5. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on buttered baking sheets.
6. Bake in a 350° oven for 8 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes.