If You Can't Take the Heat

...then don't bake cookies in August. However, if you're a compulsive baker like me, you're willing to sweat it out a little. These cookies are a variation of my oatmeal raisin cookies, with added chocolate chips, golden raisins, and walnuts. My neighbor Wendy requested the recipe, so here it is.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
1 c. unsalted butter
1 c. shortening
3 lg. eggs
2 t. vanilla
3 c. flour
1 1/2 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. salt
5 c. rolled oats
1 1/4 c. raisins

Cream together butter, sugars, and vanilla until smooth and light (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. On low speed, mix in dry ingredients, oats, and raisins until just combined. Finish mixing by hand as needed to blend evenly. Chill in fridge at least 1 hour.

Notes: When using raisins, I give them a rough chop before adding to the mix. You can also use quick (not instant) oats for part of the oatmeal, but I'd always use a higher ratio of the old-fashioned. This recipe is a nice template for tinkering around with add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, and nuts. This recipe is configured for high altitude. If cooking at lower altitude, you may require 1/4 c. less flour.