This is the favorite oatmeal cookie recipe that gets a tasty addition with dried cherries and cherry juice. This is a good combination of tart and sweet as the oatmeal adds to the overall flavor of this recipe. With the additional cherry ingredients this traditional recipe will be in high demand amoung your family and friends.
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon tart cherry juice
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats, uncooked
1-1/2 cups dried tart cherries
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Put margarine, brown sugar and granulated 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.
Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven 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 about 4 dozen.
