The Better Baker: Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

I've been making this cookie for over 30 years now.

I love it not only because of all the chewy flavors in the gumdrops, but because of different textures.

I am wild about oatmeal...and coconut too. These are a 'hearty' cookie.

Not a 'fast-make' like many recipes I use, but let me tell you, it is SO worth the effort to make these. A very special recipe given to me from a dear friend.

Hope you'll add them to your holiday cookie tray. They're great for cookie exchanges too.

CHRISTMAS GUMDROP COOKIES

1 c. margarine, room temperature

1 c. white sugar

1 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 c. flour

1 tsp. each: salt, baking powder & baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. coconut

2 c. quick oats

2 c. gumdrops (not spice drops), cut into quarters

**see tip below

1 c. (toasted) chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease cookie sheet.

In large bowl, combine margarine with sugars; beating until smooth. Add eggs; beat well. Add flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients and mix until blended. (You may have to break up the sticky gum drops by hand as you add them). Drop onto prepared cookie sheet and

bake 12 - 15 minutes.

Yield: about 8 dozen

** Tip: Dip knife (scissors work great too) in hot water when cutting up the gumdrops.