Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

A classic cookie gets a taste-makeover with the addition of dried cherries and chocolate chips.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
2 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups dried tart cherries
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Put butter, brown sugar and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed, 3 to 4 minutes or until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt, if desired; add to egg mixture. Stir in oats, cherries and chocolate chips; mix well.
3. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack to cool completely. Store in a tightly covered container.

Makes 4 dozen cookies.

Recipe provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.