Cranberry Coconut Citrus Christmas Cookies

These are my very favorite cookies at Christmas time! They are so light and chewy and perfectly citrus-y. They are also beautiful, with the specs of orange and cranberries contrasting the white cookie. I've never been to a cookie exchange, but I would take these if I were going!

Cranberry Coconut Citrus Cookies

Ingredients:

1 orange (or 2 clementines)
3 sticks butter (1 1/2 cups)
2 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
3 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups Craisins
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut

Directions:

Finely zest the peel of the orange. Next, cream together butter and sugar in a standing mixer. Beat for about 2 minutes, but not too fast! Add the orange peel and vanilla. (Then I cut the orange in half and squeeze all its juice into the bowl). Next mix in salt and baking powder. Then add the flour. Mix very slowly for about 5 minutes, until it looks like pie crust. Add the dried cranberries and coconut while slowly mixing.

Place the rack on the upper middle setting, and preheat the oven to 350. Pack the cookie dough into a 1 1/2 inch cookie scoop, and slightly flatten with the back of a spoon. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Eat when almost cooled, if you can resist! (Makes appx. 40 cookies)

*These cookies have no eggs- perfect for a person who doesn't tolerate them!

The recipe comes from one of my family's dearest friends in South Dakota. A few years ago she had a special cooking day at her house and invited all my sisters. Sadly I didn't get to because my kids were sick. But here's a picture that my sister Jesse took. Maggie, thank you! xoxo

 

Today, I am joining up with 50 other bloggers. We are all sharing our favorite Holiday treats on our blogs. Here is a list of all the treats- feel free to check them out!