Festive Refrigerator Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 16 ounces butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 8 ounces chopped dates
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces green candied cherries
• 8 ounces red candied cherries
• 6 to 8 ounces flaked sweetened coconut

Sift dry ingredients together. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; stir in vanilla. Combine nuts and fruits with the flour mixture; stir into the creamed mixture. Form dough into rolls; chill thoroughly* (may be frozen for future use). Cut into 1/8- to 1/4-inch slices; bake at 325° for 10 to 12 minutes.
* Cookie rolls slice better if partially frozen. Makes about 8 dozen cookies.