The Beginning of Fall

The weather has become slightly cooler around here...not that I expect that to last!  However, I have started to pick out all the "fall" cookies from my Southern Living cookie book.  I unknowingly made one of these during the summer. 

And they were, unfortunately, my least favorite thus far.  They are not bad, just "just okay."  They use those orange slice candies that are sugared on the outside.  I thought that maybe they candy would melt when the cookies baked but it didn't; it actually held its shape.  They ended up being almost like dried apricots.

I think, if I made these again, I would actually USE dried apricot instead of the candies.  Healthier (ha!  in a cookie?) and a more pleasing texture.  The spices in the cookie are really nice...like a good oatmeal cookie.  I also added some white chocolate chips instead of coconut. If you try these, let me know what YOU think or if you change the candies to dried fruit. 

Orange Slice Cookies from Southern Living Incredible Cookies
1 1/2 cups chopped candy orange slices (could try dried apricots)
1/4 cup AP flour
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 T milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups AP flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 1/2 cups quick cook oats
1 cup flaked coconut (optional) - I don't think I used this

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Combine the candy and 1/4 flour in a bowl and toss to coat the candy.  Meanwhile, cream butter until smooth.  Add the sugars, beating well.  Add eggs, milk, and vanilla and mix well.  Stir together the flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine.  Now, stir in the oatmeal and candy (coconut if using).

Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until slightly browned.  Cool slightly on the pan then remove to cooling racks to cool completely.  Yield: 9 dozen