Dinner at Dad's

There’s something about making cookies with your kids that combines so many wonderful experiences and sensations.  Measuring the ingredients, scooping the gooey drops of dough onto the cookie sheet, and the smell that fills the kitchen.  Of course, the eating part is my favorite, but it is truly just a part of the memories we create.  This is a basic Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe that I’ve broken down into easy steps for the non-baker.  The perfect cookie for a cold afternoon!  If your kids don’t like raisins, try the chocolate chip cookies instead.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks of butter, softened.
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups of unbleached all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup Quaker Oats (instant, quick or regular)
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Equipment

• Oven
• 2 cookie sheets
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer
• Measurings spoons
• Measuring cups

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350.
2. In your mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugars and vanilla until creamy.
3. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. 
4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mix a half cup at a time while mixing at medium speed until well blended.
5. Stir in the raisins, nuts and chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.  Let sit for five minutes.
6. Using a tablespoon, scoop golf-ball sized drops onto the ungreased cookie sheet.  Leave at two inches between each drop.
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minuts or until golden brown.
8. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let cool on your stove for five minutes, then scoop onto a wire rack for 15 minutes.
9. Eat them!