cowboy cookies

1 cup vegetable shortening
or 1/2 pound (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup raisins

Heat oven to 350°F.
In large bowl, beat shortening and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder; mix well. Add oats, chocolate chips, nuts, coconut and raisins; mix well.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.


MAKES ABOUT 5 DOZEN
recipe from Quaker oats