Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

Mona’s Mother’s Mother’s Best Friend’s Favourite, that’s a mouthful of a name for an oatmeal cookie. Memorable though and fitting for one of my family’s all-time favourite cookie recipes. It came to us in 1980 out of the original Best of Bridge cookbook (Royal Treats for Entertaining) that my dad used to give to clients back in the day.  

It’s a one-bowl recipe that’s foolproof, delicious and makes way more than you think (an easy three dozen).   

When I was in Junior High, long before I was baking on my own, I used to read through the book for fun since the pages were peppered with quotes and old sayings. Most were totally sexist and stereotypical quips about tedious marriages and wayward husbands but there are a few that still make me smile and that my mom quotes from time to time:  

“A loser is a window washer on the 44th floor who steps back to admire his work” ;

“A highbrow is a person who can listen to the “William Tell Overture” without thinking of the Lone Ranger.”

These cookies are probably the first things I ever baked on my own and you’ll see why. It’s a one-bowl recipe that’s foolproof, delicious and makes way more than you think (an easy three dozen).   

At first glance you might think they’re just a plain old oatmeal cookie and may be tempted to add a dash of vanilla or some chocolate chips. But don’t. The coconut in these cookies pairs beautifully with the rolled oats for a tasty, crunchy, soft-in-the-middle cookie. No need to mess with it.