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:

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.

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!) ;)

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