The Swedish Nurse and Her Cookies

Years ago, I worked the PM shift in the hospital in our little town. There were 3 of us working on that floor at night. My favorite time of the year to work there...was Christmas. Everyone was especially nice during the holidays. We were scurrying to try to get patients home for the holidays. In those days, some people stayed in the hospital for weeks at a time. The patients went home if they could. Some of the remaining patients felt sorry for the nursing staff that had to work the holiday and they were in good spirits. I felt sorry for the patients left behind and often did special things for them. I remember getting a few little gifts from patients who had been there a long time and after caring for them for such a long time...were like family to me. One of the nurses that I worked with was from Sweden. A pretty older woman, with snow white hair. She was a task master and wanted things done just so. We could take a break after patients were in bed for the night. Hot, Swedish, coffee and delicious cookies were the treat one night. The Swedish nurse had brought in the most delicate coconut cookies to share. They were buttery and like a delicate shortbread. I asked her for the recipe and she said, "It's an old family recipe....I can't share it, but if you ever want them, I will make them for you."Of course I never asked. This was way before Google. I have searched for a recipe to match hers. I think this is as close as I will get. We all have favorite cookies for Christmas and this is one of mine. I tend to like the simpler cookie...without frosting, buttery, crispy and a fine crumb. I put the recipe here...try it... Enjoy!

The recipe and picture was taken from Land O Lakes butter website.

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

2 cups butter, softened

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Directions

Combine all ingredients except coconut in large bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (5 to 8 minutes). Stir in coconut by hand.

Divide dough in half; shape each half into 12x2-inch log. Wrap each log in plastic food wrap; refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours).

Heat oven to 350°F. Cut logs into 1/4-inch slices. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets.