Oatmeal Cherry Cookies (using dried cherries and chocolate chips)

This favorite cookie recipe gets a new taste with dried cherries.

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats, uncooked
1 1/2 cups dried tart cherries
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Put margarine, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed 3 to 4 minutes, or until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt, if desired; add to egg mixture. Stir in oats, cherries and chocolate chips; mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack to cool completely. Store in a tightly covered container.

Makes about 4 dozen|
Source: Cherry Marketing Institute