Coconut Pecan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can you believe it? The last day of 2011. It has been quite the year. Full of ups and downs, as life often is. Let's only think about the good tonight and focus on the fact that the bad was necessary to get us to the now.
One of my biggest accomplishments this year has definitely been starting this blog and getting more serious with my baking. I have learned so much and cannot wait to see what this next year brings for this little blog.
I've learned, loved, laughed, been loved, baked far too much, stayed up way too late, done things I never thought I would do, and spent time with some of the greatest people I know. I truly hope your year has been as full of happiness.
Now let's get to these cookies. Coconut. Pecans. Oatmeal. Chocolate Chips. This is the ultimate comfort cookie. So if you're spending a cozy night in for New Years Eve, bake up these cookies and enjoy the last few hours of this year.
Coconut Pecan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from Bakin' and Eggs

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cup oats 
• 2/3 cup shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven at 350.
Beat butter and sugars. Add egg whites and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, salt, and oats. Lastly, fold in coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips. Chill for 30 minutes.
Dropped by tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly browned.
Cool and enjoy!

Mint Chip Coconut Cookies

Yes, I realize it's only mid November but all that's in my mind is the holidays. On this particular day, Christmas is all I can think about. The decorations have come out and I'm just waiting for the tree.
If you're not so ready for Christmas, just make these cookies and I'm sure you will be.
You're probably thinking "Coconut and mint?!" Trust me when I say that it's a combination straight from the heavens. Delicious.
Mint Chip Coconut Cookies
Adapted from Sweet Anna's

• 3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 2/3 cup Guittard Smooth and Melty Mint Chips
• 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Beat melted butter and sugars. Add egg, egg white, and vanilla. Mix in flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir in the coconut and chips. Chill dough for 20 to 30 minutes.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool and enjoy!

White Chocolate Seven Layer Bars

These are magical. That's the only way to describe these bars. I'm sure you've heard of the traditional seven layer bar. It's a classic. A delicious classic. But these take that to the next level.
Make these, cut them into circles with a cup, stand at the counter and eat the left over edges.
Calories don't count when you're standing up, right?
....
I thought so.

White Chocolate Seven Layer Bars
Adapted from Love From the Oven

• 1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 (14oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 1/4 cup flaked coconut
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 350.
Place the butter in a 13x9 pan and place in the oven to melt while the oven preheats.
Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the melted butter. Press down. Pour the condensed milk over the graham cracker crumbs. Sprinkle the white chocolate chips and nuts over the condensed milk. Lastly, sprinkle the coconut. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Remove from oven and let cool for 30-45 minutes. Cut and enjoy.