Kansas - Sunflower Seed Cookies

Kansas is nicknamed the Sunflower State because of the abundant wild sunflowers that cover the state each summer.  The beautiful, tall flowers were once viewed as an infectious weed, but in 1903 the state decided to embrace it's natural abundance and beauty and named it the official flower of Kansas.  

Not only are these large beauties nice to look at, they also provide us with two great ingredients for cooking - sunflower oil and sunflower seeds! 

The wonderful people of Kansas have created the Sunflower Seed Cookie as a delicious treat to represent their state - making this the first cookie on Sweet State of Mine! 

Ingredients 

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups quick rolled oats
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds 

Recipe

• In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt
• Beat butter with electric mixer 30 - 40 seconds. Add sugars and beat mixture until combined.
• Using mixer, beat in as much of the flour mixture as possible.  (If using a KitchenAid you should be able to mix it all in)
• Stir remaining flour in with a wooden spoon
• Stir in oats, coconut and sunflower seeds just until combined
• Cover and chill for at least 1 hour
• Remove dough from fridge.  Drop by slightly rounded tablespoons 3 inches apart on an un-greased cookie sheet. 
• Bake at 350 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes until lightly browned. 

Yield = 48 cookies  

So good!  Like a kicked up Oatmeal cookie!  These are definitely worth a try! 

Enjoy!

mbf