My Pantry Shelf

Everyone needs a go-to cookie recipe and this is mine.  I have made it more times than I can remember for snacks, parties, camping trips, gift bags, potlucks, you name it.  They are my favorite!  Adapt it to what you have on hand by adding nuts (walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, etc.) or leaving them out.  The chocolate chips can be replaced with peanut butter chips or white chocolate, but do not dare leave those out!

Mix up the dough, then chill it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them (at least two hours).  You can also freeze the dough if you want to make it in advance.  Portion out the dough before freezing to make it easier to use.  The cookies bake up slightly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.  They are great straight from the oven,  as well as days later.  There is never a shortage of taste testers!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

adapted from Martha Stewart Living Desserts

makes four dozen cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup room temperature salted butter

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

3 tablespoons milk

2 eggs

3 cups rolled oats

1 bag chocolate chips

1 1/3 c chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.  Set aside.

Combine butter with both sugars and beat until fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between additions.  Add the vanilla and milk, mix until combined.

Add the reserved dry ingredients, one half at a time.  Mix slowly until just combined.  Fold  in the oats, chocolate, and nuts (if using).

Refrigerate dough at least 2 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.

Preheat oven to  350 degrees.

Scoop out dough into roughly 2 tablespoon balls.  Place on an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake cookies 15-16 minutes until lightly browned on the edges and set in the center.  Let cookies cool on a wire rack.

Here is a printer-friendly version of the recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

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