Oatmeal-Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

       There comes a time in life that we all need a little comfort.  Sometimes work gets to you, sometimes you miss your family, sometimes you take an unexpected financial hit, and sometimes it just because the days are getting shorter and you like the sun. We all need comfort for different reasons, but in the end something warm and reminiscent of good things can change the way you feel on any given day. Personally, it is one of the reasons I like hugging so much. It is like a warm, gooey, happy wrapping of love around me, and it makes me smile.

       With this, I would propose that cookies are the hugs of the baking world. I mean really, aren't they just warm, gooey, happy wrappings of love in your mouth, sliding sweetly down to your stomach to spread the comfort of home on even your worst of days? Yes...I think we should all make an effort to give more hugs and eat more cookies. It seems like a happier life.

      I had a friend the other day comment how cookies aren't "good" for you in the nutritional sense, but a chocolate chip cookie is definitely good for you. Its good for your soul, and that is an equally important part of the self to pay attention to. So when you eat a cookie, please for the love of pastry, do not feel guilty. Instead, feel happy that you are doing something for your soul that day. Maybe it will even inspire you to pass on a hug...and then you are doing some good for the soul of society.

            Wow--Boulder Butter just got super deep, you may say. You may also say, "Alright, that is all nice and good, Maisie, but what is this comforting cookie you are proposing I eat?" Well, I propose more than just eating your cookie today. I think when we make our own food, the soul-soothing vibes increase even more. So today is definitely the day for you to get out your cookie sheets, flour, sugar, and definitely, most definitely butter to make Oatmeal-Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies. Reminiscent of both the most classic cookies from home, Oatmeal Raisin and Chocolate Chip, these have the best of both worlds. Plus, the coconut contributes a delicious chewy sweetness. And they are buttery. Oh so buttery. How I love buttery. Chewy in the middle and crispy on the edges, these decadent yet simple treats provide that dose of homey comfort we all need once in a while. I reckon they belong in your belly along with a glass of milk very, very soon!

Oven Temp: 350 F

Ingredients:
1 1/4 C All-Purpose Flour
1/4 + 1/8 TSP Baking Soda (at high altitude)*
1/4 TSP Fine Grain Salt
1 TSP Ground Cinnamon
1/4 TSP Ground Nutmeg
1/4 TSP Ground Cardamom
1/2 lb. (2 Sticks) Unsalted Butter, room temp.
1 C. Granulated Sugar
1/2 C Packed Light Brown Sugar
2 Large Eggs, room temp.
1 TSP Vanilla Extract
2 1/4 C Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
1/2 C Sweetened Shredded Coconut
1 2/3 C Chocolate Chips
*At sea level, use 1/2 TSP Baking Soda

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

2. In a large bowl with a hand mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter to a lightly creamed state; add white sugar and continue to cream the two together; finally add brown sugar in the same fashion. The process should take 3-5 minute and will result in a light colored mixture with a fluffy texture.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated.

4. Beat in vanilla extract.

5. Optional: Combine oats and coconut in bowl of food processor and pulse a few times to break down some of the pieces into smaller bits.

6. Add coconut and oats to wet mixture and mix until just combined.

7. In 2-3 additions, add in the flour mixture until just combined.
8. Remove bowl from mixer and switch to a rubber spatula. Scrape down sides of bowl and work around bottom to make sure ALL excess flour is incorporated.

9. Fold in chocolate chips.
10. Transfer dough to an airtight container or zip lock bag and put dough in the fridge to chill overnight (8-24 hours of rest time for best results).
11. Remove dough, and allow it to come up to a temperature you are able to scoop it out into balls. Meanwhile, preheat oven.

12. Form even 1in balls, place them equidistance apart on a cookie sheet and press down lightly with a spoon or fingers.
13. Bake for 9-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.

14. Allow them to cool on a rack and then enjoy the crispy, chewy delights you have just made! Then give someone a cookie and a hug.