Coconut Cranberry Chews

These wonderful cookies won 1st place in a cookie contest. The orange rind is the ingredient that gives them the special touch, I think

1 1/2 cups butter
2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange rind
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1 1/2 cups sweetened dried coconut


With a mixer on medium speed, beat butter, sugar, egg, orange rind and vanilla until smooth.
In another bowl mix flour, baking powder and salt.
Add butter mixture and beat on low speed for about 5 minutes.
Stir in cranberries and coconut.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on buttered baking sheets.
Bake in a 350° oven for 8-11 minutes, depending on your oven. I needed 11.
Remove from oven and let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then cool on rack.