Cowboy Cookies

    

     With the arrival of autumn and cooler weather, I feel it is the perfect time to enjoy some baking.  Truth be told, I love to bake all year, but there is a particular coziness when the air is crisp outside and the kitchen is warmed by home-made goodness, filling the house with sweet, comforting aromas.

    Over the weekend, I baked a batch of cowboy cookies to share with friends.  I found the recipe in a cookbook, "Great Recipes from Texas", that I purchased at a garage sale.  While it was only my second time to make them, they were a huge hit!  Colton has declared them to be his absolute favorite cookie.  They have everything good in them-- chocolate chips, cinnamon, oats, coconut, and pecans.  I thought I would share the recipe with you here should you like to try them.

    First I must warn you that this recipe makes a LOT of cookies!  But I am of the opinion that one can never have too many cookies.  They are perfect for sharing or taking to gatherings, and although I have yet to try it (they always disappear before I get a chance), I'm sure they could be frozen for later.  I have never tried to halve this recipe, but I have frozen cookie dough with success, so that is an option too.  Expect about 8 dozen cookies from this recipe!

~Cowboy Cookies~

3 sticks butter (1 1/2 cup), softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

3 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

3 cups chocolate chips

3 cups oats

2 cups shredded coconut

2 cups chopped pecans

Cream together butter and sugars.  Add eggs and vanilla; beat.  In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredients.  Bake at 350*F for 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy!