Crispy Oat Drops

Cherry Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 6 tablespoons shortening
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons grated orange peel
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 cups quick-cook oats
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or set aside ungreased sheets.
2. In a small bowl, soak the dried cherries in hot water for at least 10 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the shortening, butter, brown and white sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, orange peel and vanilla extract.
5. In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry oat mixture to the creamed mixture and continue mixing until thoroughly combined.
7. Stir in the cherries with the liquid and the chocolate chips until distributed throughout.
8. Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls at least 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
10. Allow cookies to cool on sheets for 1 minute before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Store in an airtight container.

This recipe makes about 3 1/2 dozen Cherry Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies