Just The Best Cookies
Chewy, flavorful cookies with oats, coconut, pecans, and a hint of vanilla, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the white sugar, brown sugar, margarine, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
- Mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt thoroughly in a separate bowl.
- Gradually stir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture, blending well. Then fold in the oatmeal, cornflake crumbs, coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Cover the mixing bowl and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Form the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in sugar until coated.
- Place the coated dough balls on a cookie sheet and flatten slightly with a small glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have cornflake crumbs, crushed graham crackers or rice cereal can work as a substitute. Make sure to chill the dough as instructed; this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can enhance your dessert spread by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter alongside Cranberry Pear Bread Pudding or Jello Salad With Fruit for a festive occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Just The Best Cookies contains roughly 3370 calories, with 28g protein, 219g carbohydrates, and 265g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (118% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and protein (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2704mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use less sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. However, keep in mind that it may alter the sweetness level, so adjust according to your taste preference.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds instead. Both will add a nice crunch to the cookies without overpowering the other ingredients.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are slightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).