Cowboy Cookies

Bursting with oats and chocolate chips,
these flavor-packed cookies are an
irresistible treat for kids,
whether you customize them with
special ingredients or stick
to the delicious cookie basics.

Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour,
baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, blend the butter and sugars
with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Add the eggs and continue to beat until fluffy,
about 1-1/2 minutes. Blend in the vanilla extract.
Using a wooden spoon, stir the dry mixture
into the butter mixture one half at a time.
Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
Refrigerate the dough for 1 to 2 hours.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a large baking sheet with
aluminum foil, then grease the foil.
Using a scant 1/4 cup per cookie,
shape the dough into balls and place
them on the sheet about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball to 1/3 inch thick.
Bake the cookies on the center
oven rack for 13 to 14 minutes.
When they're done, the cookies should be
very lightly browned and still look moist.
Don't overbake them.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet
for 2 to 3 minutes,
then transfer them to a wire rack.