Cherry-Date Skillet Cookies

1 . Stage

Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add sugar and dates to the melted butter; stir until the sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes.

2 . Stage

Remove skillet from heat, add egg, and stir quickly to prevent the egg from cooking.

3 . Stage

Return skillet to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil, 4 to 6 minutes; cook at a boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more.

4 . Stage

Remove skillet from heat. Stir rice cereal, chopped coconut, chopped cherries, and vanilla extract with the dates. Let mixture cool until beginning to firm, about 10 minutes.

5 . Stage

Shape mixture by rounded teaspoonful into 1-inch balls. Spread flaked coconut into a wide, shallow dish and roll balls in the coconut to coat.