christmas cookie wednesday

So what does an unemployed, broke 25yr old do......raid her mom's cabinets and make some christmas cookies. One of my dreams in life is to open up my own cafe/wine bar/ art gallery. I would like to spend my day baking treats and serving coffee, or popping wine bottles for art openings. Now my mother is a great baker so of course I have never given it a try. I like to think I am a good cook, or baker but when it comes down to it I don't actually do it, I just know what would be good. (If that makes sense) I can pick out great healthy recipes but when it comes down to it someone else ends up doing the cooking. I might as well start actually baking and cooking....
I chose Coconut Pecan cookies, (out of Taste of Home) minus the pecans I'm not a fan


These golden brown cookies will remind you of German chocolate cake, with chocolate chips and coconut in the batter and a yummy pecan-coconut frosting. A drizzle of chocolate tops them off in a festive way. -Diane Selich Vassar, Michigan

* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
* 2/3 cup sugar
* 1/4 cup butter, cubed
* 1-1/4 cups flaked coconut
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
* COOKIE DOUGH:
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 4 cups (24 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, divided
* 1/4 cup flaked coconut

Directions:
For frosting, in a large saucepan, combine the egg, milk, sugar and butter. Cook and stir over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes or until slightly thickened and mixture reaches 160° or is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Stir in coconut and pecans. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in 2 cups chips and coconut.
Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
In a microwave, melt the remaining chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Frost cooled cookies; drizzle with melted chocolate. Yield: 6-1/2 dozen.