Festive Refrigerator Cookies

Chopped candied cherries, dates, and coconut make these spice cookies festive enough to make for the holidays.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
16 ounces butter
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups finely chopped pecans or walnuts
8 ounces chopped dates
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups all-purpose flour
8 ounces green candied cherries
8 ounces red candied cherries
6 to 8 ounces flaked sweetened coconut

Instructions:

Sift dry ingredients together.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; stir in vanilla. Combine nuts and fruits with the flour mixture; stir into the creamed mixture. Form dough into rolls; chill thoroughly* (may be frozen for future use). Cut into 1/8- to 1/4-inch slices; bake at 325° for 10 to 12 minutes.
* Cookie rolls slice better if partially frozen. Makes about 8 dozen cookies.