Keith found her grandmother Flonnie’s recipe for these cookies in her mama’s recipe box, and they have become a holiday staple in her house. These cookies are a delightful and nostalgic treat. The candies melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey, fruity goodness throughout. A soft, chewy cookie with bursts of citrusy flavor in each bite is the merriest sweet for gifting this holiday season.

2 cups (4 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 1/4 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 tablespoons warm water
6 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 package orange slices candy (10 ounces), diced

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at time, scraping down sides of bowl after each addition.

3. In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in warm water.

4. To the large bowl, add baking soda mixture, flour and cinnamon and mix until incorporated. Fold in coconut, walnuts and candy slices.

5. Use a medium cookie scoop to place dough onto a baking sheet, leaving 1 inch between each cookie.

6. Bake 11–14 minutes, until lightly golden brown.

Makes 5 dozen cookies.