Coconut Cranberry Chews

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

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Yields: 6 dozen cookies

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

Directions

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.