Orange Slice Candy Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350F.

In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups flour, salt and baking soda; add to butter mixture and beat to combine.

Cut up orange slice candies (I cut each slice into 5 pieces) and toss them with one tablespoon of flour to keep them from sticking together.

To the cookie batter mixture, add the orange slice candy pieces, chopped pecans, oats and coconut. Mix until everything is combined. The dough will be really thick. I like to use a heavy wooden spoon, but you can also use your hands.

I use a cookie scoop so these turn out uniform in size. If you don’t have one, use a spoon to scoop up about 2 Tablespoons of dough; roll it into a ball, and place dough balls about 2″ apart on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes (see note below). When the cookies start to turn a little brown around the edges, they’re done. Cool on cookie sheets for at least 10 minutes before removing them from the pan to cool completely. Makes 4-6 dozen, depending on how large or small you make them.

NOTE: This recipe is similar to a chocolate chip cookie dough, so baking time is a matter of preference. If you like them chewy like I do, check them after 12-15 mintues. If you like them crispy, check them after 15-20 minutes. If you want to get fancy, you can top each cookie with a thin slice of the orange slice candies.

Credit to: My friend, Pat Counts, who originally shared this recipe with me at a Christmas cookie exchange.