Thursday, June 18, 2009

EVERYTHING's Inside Oatmeal Cookies

I made some cookies today after opening one of my cupboards and finding many things that I needed to use up inside.  I had a little of this and a little of that and it was crowding a shelf in the cupboard.  Some things just had to go.  And by go, I mean--in a cookie.  These were/are really good.  I even (accidentally) over baked a batch, like 17 minutes instead of 11 and they are even good.  (Dad, you would love them!)

In the past, for some reason, I have not been very impressed (not sure why) with the Quaker oatmeal recipe that is always printed on their lid of oats, but decided today that is what I wanted the base of these cookies to be.  I wanted to give Quaker's Vanishing cookies another try.  So here's my adapted recipe for these:

DSCF3020

EVERYTHING'S Inside Oatmeal Cookies, adapted from Quaker's Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies by Katrina

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

1  1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon (I omitted this!)

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups old fashioned oats

Here's where it gets good!---(Remember, I'm cleaning out a cupboard)

1 cup shredded coconut (I used 1/2 cup sweetened and 1/2 cup unsweetened)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup yogurt covered raisins

3/4 cup dried pineapple rings, chopped

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup cashews, roasted and salted, chopped

5 ounces Sam's Choice Tropical Trail Mix, including dried papaya, pineapple, golden raisins, banana chips, cranberries, apricots, almonds, cashews, and one whole macadamia nut. ha

1 cup Hershey's Premier White Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Have two baking sheets lined with parchment paper.  Set aside.

Cream together the butter and sugars.  Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.  In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and oats.  Mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, just until combined.  Stir in all the add-ins.  Drop by large tablespoonfuls or with a cookie scoop onto prepared baking sheets.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  (I baked them for 11 minutes, except one dozen (not pictured) which baked for about 17 minutes, but were still good, just crispier!)  Let cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes.  Remove to cooling rack to let cool completely.  Makes about 4 dozen.

DSCF3022

These are what I want in an oatmeal cookie.  Slightly crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy all over with lots of yummy flavors.   Thank you Quaker! (not sure what my problem was before!) ;)

DSCF3023

As for cleaning out the cupboard--there's still more stuff in there!  Stay tuned!

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful cookies!

Megan said...

So, was there a kitchen sink in there? Because there certainly was everything else!

I tried doing a cookie like that for my kids - they hated them! Me, I love a bunch of surprises in cookies. I mean, not anchovies or anything like that, but all the good things you put in there.

So if you have a few extra, send 'em my way!

Chocolaty Lifestyle said...

What a wonderful idea how to use things from the cupboard that have to be used! :))

RecipeGirl said...

Hey, a "Clean-Out-the-Pantry" cookie! I love it~ what a great idea.

Anonymous said...

ooh these must me so yummy!! love the everything part hahahha

Unknown said...

These cookies really do have EVERYTHING in them! They look great!!

test it comm said...

I like all of the goodies in these cookies!

Judy said...

Yumm. That's what I want inside an oatmeal cookie, too. They look delish and I wish I could have one. Guess I'll just have to make them.

Amanda said...

Wow that's a lotta goodies! They sure do look good!

Flourchild said...

Yum Oatmeal cookies are my very favorite. I posted a good recipe last week on my blog.
Checkout my photos from our Boise trip!

Deeba PAB said...

What a fab idea...everything inside that cookie makes it look like a handsome mouthful!

PheMom said...

I think I could eat a whole plate of those just myself!

♥peachkins♥ said...

These cookies are mouthwatering. i wish I could pluck out one from my screen..

Maria said...

Great way to do some cleaning!

Anonymous said...

Hi!
I think Quaker updated that recipe because I used to feel the same way as you about it, but I also made them sometime in the last year and thought they were very good.

Clumbsy Cookie said...

I love this kind of cleaning cupboard treats! So many cool flavours and textures! And colors! They look awesome Katrina!

Anonymous said...

This is the type of cookie I need to make. I have lots of odds and ends right now.

Eliana said...

I heart oatmeal cookies. they are an excellent vessel for anything you may have on hand. My favorite add-ins are coconut and walnut.

Risa said...

I actually love the Quaker recipes and you were not kidding when you said there was a ton in here! These sound great to me!