Rich Date Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 c Butter or margarine; soften

3/4 c Brown sugar; firmly packed

1 lg Egg

1 tb Vanilla extract

3/4 c Dates; chopped

1 c All-purpose flour

1/2 ts Baking soda

1/4 ts Baking powder

1/2 ts Salt

2 c Semisweet chocolate morsels

--- 12 oz 34 c Walnuts; coarsely chopped

1/2 c Flaked coconut

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add brown sugar, beating well. Stir in egg and vanilla, beating well. Add dates; let stand 5 minutes. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter mixture at high speed 3 minutes, gradually add flour mixture, beating well. Stir in semisweet chocolate morsels, chopped walnuts, and flaked coconut. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonful onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350~F for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Note: Baked cookies may be frozen in airtight containers. Source: Southern Living, September 1995.
-