I’m always looking for an excuse to serve some kind of fun food, and find that when I check out holiday sites on the web (such as holidays.net), there is some kind of holiday to celebrate every day of the year. One holiday that I always celebrate by serving a “ground hog” dish is Groundhog Day, which is on February 2nd.

For years I have been looking for traditional Groundhog Day desserts. Apparently there aren’t too many families that celebrate this holiday, and I haven’t found a dessert that is commonly served on this day. Several years ago I developed a cookie recipe to produce cookies that resemble groundhogs (if you use your imagination, of course). I always serve them for dessert on this holiday.

Don’t let the list of ingredients scare you off; they are common ones that you probably have in your kitchen right now, and they go together very quickly. These cookies are easy, and they keep well in an airtight container. If you have children, they will want to help assemble the cookies and especially put the eyes on them.

Makes 4 dozen cookies

3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups oats
1 cup cornflake crumbs, or finely crushed cornflakes
2 cups sliced almonds

1 egg white, beaten with 2 tablespoons water
2 cups premium flake coconut, (about)
1/4 cup raisins, or currants for eyes

1. Cream the sugars and butter; add the eggs and vanilla and beat well


2. Add the flour, soda, salt, and baking powder, mixing well.


3. Stir in the oats, cornflake crumbs, and almonds.


4. Scoop tablespoon-size balls of dough; dip into the egg white mixture, then roll in coconut.


5. Dip 2 of the raisins or currants in the egg white mixture, then press into the balls to resemble eyes.


6. Bake at 350° until the coconut begins to lightly brown, 8-10 minutes.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 153 Calories from Fat 76
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 49% Protein 7% Carb. 43%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 8 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Cholesterol 19 mg
Sodium 101 mg
Total Carbohydrate 16 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 3 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 0% Iron 3%