Abilene Crave

Yield: 3 to 4 dozen cookies
    1 1/4     cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
    1/2     cup white sugar
    1     cup light brown sugar
    2     large eggs
    1     tablespoon vanilla extract
    1     cup quick-cooking or old fashioned oats
    2     cups all-purpose white flour
    1     teaspoon baking powder
    1     teaspoon baking soda
    1     teaspoon kosher salt
    2     cups dried cherries, cranberries or raisins
    2     cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
    2     cups walnuts or pecans, lightly toasted and coarsely
            chopped (optional)

1.    Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2.    Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
3.    Place butter and sugars in bowl of a mixer fitted with paddle attachment and mix until smooth and creamy.
4.    Scrape down sides of bowl; add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla, mixing well between additions.
5.    Scrape down sides of bowl; add oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix until everything is well incorporated.
6.    Scrape down sides of bowl; add cherries, chocolate chips and walnuts, if desired, and mix again.
7.    Deposit 2-ounce portions on cookie sheet.
8.    Bake at 325°F for 12 to 14 minutes. Spin sheet mid-bake for even results.
9.    Remove from sheet after baking and allow to cool.