The Very Best Oatmeal Cookies

One of the best oatmeal cookies I've ever tasted. A definite family favorite. They are fantastic without the optional nuts, raisins or chocolate. Photo by KC Cooker is how these cookies look when I bake them--fairly flat, chewy in the middle with crispy edges. Yum.....

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 36 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  cup shortening
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 2  large eggs, beaten
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 3  cups  quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped  nuts (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream together shortening and sugars.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.
4. Sift together flour, salt and soda.
5. Add to creamed mixture.
6. Stir in oats slowly.
7. Mix well. Add nuts, chips or raisins, if desired. Dough will be fairly stiff.
8. Drop by heaping tablespoon on lightly greased cookie sheet. (I use a 4 teaspoon cookie scoop and press them down slightly before baking).
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes.