Sweets of Christmas - Coconut Chews

My first job was at Blue Chip Cookies in Silverdale, WA. We made something like 22 kinds of cookies everyday. It's also where I learned all my barista techniques. A great job for a high school kid. I loved it there! Because we baked our cookies fresh every morning, if you worked the late shift you could give/take all the leftovers you wished. In high school my friends loved it when I showed up to the parties and in college my Geology prof couldn't wait until Wednesday! This is my version of the Coconut Chew Macadamia cookie which was one of my, and my Dad's, favorites.

Coconut Chews

1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp coconut extract
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 c. flour
8 oz. macadamia nuts

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix sugars, butter, eggs and extract until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix on low speed for approx 2 minutes.
4. Stir in macadamia nuts.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes and immediately remove from baking sheets.

I can't get enough of these. Two of my absolute favorite ingredients - coconut & macadamia nuts. Good anytime but a nice addition to the Christmas cookie plate!