Step 1 Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly butter 2 baking sheets and set aside.
Step 2 Combine the flour, coconut, oatmeal, brown sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl and blend well.
Step 3Combine the syrup and butter in a small saucepan over a medium flame and heat until the butter melts. Dissolve the baking soda in one-fourth cup boiling water and stir into the syrup mixture. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the liquids in. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between them. Flatten slightly. Bake until just set, 15 minutes. Using a spatula, immediately transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool.