Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. orange extract
1 1/3 cups flour
2 tsp. apple pie spice OR pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (craisins)
1 cup white chocolate chips

In a large bowl beat the shortening and butter for 30 seconds, till softened. Add the sugars and beat well. Add the eggs and extracts; beat again. Sift together the flour, spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; stir into the shortening mixture. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Drop the mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls (I use a cookie scoop) onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten each one slightly with the bottom of a drinking glass which has been greased and dipped in sugar. (You will only need to grease it for the first use.) Bake at 375º for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Makes 3-4 dozen cookies, I think -- I didn't keep track.)

I adapted this from Cook & Tell, my favorite cooking newsletter. There's a link in the sidebar if anyone is interested. Some of my best recipes come from this source.

These are the cookies I made Saturday afternoon for a get-together Sunday evening. They were the favorite out of all the cookies I brought. I used apple pie spice, being low on pumpkin pie spice (in either case, I make my own). People commented on the nice flavor added by the spice.