Grandma's Crispy Date and Pecan Cookies

Family Christmas tradition. Is it candy or a cookie? Grandma Ziegler says it's a cookie that tastes better than candy. Enjoy with a cup of coffee. They are yummy. Store in an airtight container; do not store in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded coconut, or as needed
• 1 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup margarine, softened
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 0.5 cup chopped pecans
• 0.5 pound chopped dates
• 2 ½ cups crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies®)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

1. Place coconut in a shallow bowl.
2. Stir sugar, margarine, and eggs together in a heavy skillet on the stove, with the burner off. Add pecans and dates. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in rice cereal and vanilla extract. Remove from the heat and quickly roll mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in coconut to coat and place on waxed paper to cool.