Laura Bush's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Those of you that know me know I am not soon-to-be-former President Bush's biggest fan. However, I have to give his wife, the First Lady, some credit. Not only has she stayed married to W for as long as she has despite his bumbling nature, her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are fabulous. I've made them for the holidays the last few years and they are quite the hit. A nice combo of the sweetness of the chocolate combines with oatmeal, cinnamon and dried cherries. Just a note, the recipe makes LOTS of cookies, so I recommend a few things:
-either cut back on the recipe to make a smaller batch
-make them all and freeze some (they freeze quite well, I've done this before)
-bring them to holiday gatherings and watch them disappear.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1-1/2 cups light-brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3 cups quick cook oats (not old-fashioned)
• 2 cups chopped walnuts
• 1-1/2 packages (8 ounces each) chocolate chunks (3 cups)(I think semi-sweet or bittersweet chips are the best in this recipe, the darker chocolate is delicious with the cherries)
  
• 2 cups coarsely chopped dried sour cherries (you can also use dried cranberries if cherries aren't available or are too expensive)
  

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degree F. Line 2 large baking pans with parchment paper.(yes, you do want to use the parchment paper)

2. With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then beat in vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and oats; slowly beat until blended.
3. Stir in walnuts, chocolate and cherries. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets.
4. Bake at 350 degree F for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on pan on wire rack for 1 minute. Transfer cookies directly to racks to cool completely.