Tropical Oatmeal Cookies

I have had these cookies on my mind for several weeks now, and just finally got around to actually making them!  These are crisp/chewy oatmeal cookies with coconut and dried pineapple and white chocolate covered raisins, and just a touch of almond extract.  They are very much like traditional oatmeal raisin cookies, but with a tropical flair.  I used Coriaunty's fabulous Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe as a base and tweaked a few things.


Tropical Oatmeal Cookies


2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 Tablespoon Lyle's Golden Syrup (or substitute corn syrup)
2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup (about 6 ounces) dried pineapple, diced
1 cup white chocolate covered raisins or yogurt covered raisins


Preheat the oven to 350F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.  Cream together the butter and sugar.  Add the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and syrup, and beat together until well blended.  Add the flour mixture and oatmeal and blend until just combined.  Stir in the coconut, pineapple, and raisins.  


Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet about 3 inches apart.  Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is just set.    Cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.  Makes about 36 cookies.


Enjoy!  -Cardamommy