Variations on a Theme (aka *Awesome* Oatmeal Cookies)

1 c butter (softened)
1 c packed brown sugar
½ c granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 ¾ c flour
½ tsp salt
3 c old-fashioned rolled oats (has to be old fashioned – quick oats give different texture)

Variations:
Oatmeal Raisin
1 ½ c plumped raisins (measure out raisins, put them in small pan, cover with water & simmer on low until water is absorbed)

Oatmeal, Cranberry, White Chocolate, Macadamia Nut Cookies
1 ½ c plumped cranberries (see raisins)
1 bag white chocolate pieces
1 c chopped macadamia nuts (chop in food processor)

In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, soda and salt and cinnamon. Cream together butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla, beat well. Slowly stir in flour mixture. Fold in the oatmeal – use wooden spoon, not electric mixer. If the cookie dough is too dry stir in some milk (shouldn’t need to for oatmeal raisin, should if making cranberry cookies - only stir in a tablespoon at a time). Fold in either the white chocolate, cranberries and nuts or plumped raisins. Drop by teaspoonfuls, piling up dough. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in 375 º oven.

This recipe is a compilation of a number of other oatmeal cookie recipes… One of the recipes used was the recipe on the Quaker Oats lid and another was the recipe in Better Homes and Garden cookbook.