Yet Another Oatmeal Cookie

As you might have noticed, my favorite cookie is oatmeal and I'm always looking for ways to tweak the recipe to see if I can add another layer of flavor to the basic one. There also seems to be a mind set of less guilt involved in eating oatmeal cookies because they do have oatmeal in them and we all know oatmeal is good for us. Don't think about the sugar and butter!

YET ANOTHER OATMEAL COOKIE
1 cup butter, softened (not melted!)
1 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon cinammon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
3 cups oatmeal - not the instant type
1 cup dried cranberries (1/4 cup fresh orange juice, tablepoon of brandy.)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Soak the cranberries in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice with a tablespoon of brandy. Beat eggs and vanilla together. Stir in the cranberries and let them soak for an hour.  My mother taught me to infuse dried fruit, raisins, or such before baking to keep the moisture in the fruit. If you don't have time, just keep going and you will still get a good cookie.

Preheat over to 350 degrees and line your baking sheets with parchment or grease them with vegetable oil spray.

Whip together the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Stir in the dry ingredients until and mix well.  Add in the egg  and cranberry mixture. If you have a stand mixture with a paddle, this works well. Then add oatmeal, nuts and mix well. Scoop into walnut-sized balls and place about 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.  Bake 8-10 minutes. Allow to  cool on baking sheet until firm enough to transfer to wire rack.

Made about 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies depending on the size.

Ideas . . .
Try half raisins and half cranberries or go totally with the raisins.
Add 1/2 cup or so of your favorite chocolate or white chips to the mix.
Peanuts would making an interesting flavor profile.
Half dried cranberries and half candied pineapple bits. I wouldn't soak the pineapple.
Leave out the fruit and nuts and go with a basic oatmeal cookie.