The World's Best Cookies

Tropical Heaven Cookies
A recipe from my friend Alane Sleight.  These cookies are a rave review whenever I take them anywhere.  Men especially like them, they are sort of like a high class granola bar.  They look great in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon or string.  I have wrapped and frozen them and that works great.  They are just a delicious cookie.

¾ c. butter, softened

1 c. packed brown sugar

½ c. granulated sugar

1 egg

1 t. vanilla

¼ c. water

1 c. flour

1 t. salt

½ t. baking soda

3 c. regular old fashioned oats

½ c. each of the following: Craisins, raisins, coconut, raisins, golden raisins, dried fruit bits- (tropical mix by Dole but I usually don’t add this because I rarely have it or the golden raisins.  Add more

Craisins and raisins if you leave them out)

1 cup white chocolate chips

1 cup of nuts – walnuts, almonds, or pecans (I like slivered almonds best) 

Cream butter and sugars.  Add egg, vanilla, and water; mix.  Stir in flour, salt and baking soda.  Add remaining ingredients and stir well.  Take ¼ c. measuring cup, spray inside with non-stick spray and then scoop cookie dough, pack and place on cookie sheet.  Flatten slightly.   Repeat with remaining dough.  Bake 10-12 min. at 350º.   Only let them brown on the very edge.  They will spread out onto the baking tray.  Remove from the oven and take a spoon and push the cookie edges back towards the center to make a 3” cookie. They may look a bit doughy in the middle but as they cool they will firm up.  Leave on sheet to cool for 5 to 10 min. until firm.  They look great in a cellophane bag.  Makes 18- 20 giant cookies.