JUMBO CHOCOLATE

RAISIN OAT COOKIES

These are also called Ranger cookies. They evolved over time from chocolate chip cookies with a few additions. Unlike soft chocolate chip cookies, these are chewy and crunchy. They could be taken camping as they are filled with oats and cereal.

    1 cup granulated sugar
    1 cup dark brown sugar
    1 cup butter, softened
    2 large eggs
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    2 cups all-purpose flour
    1 cup old fashioned oats
    4 cups raisin bran cereal
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/2 cup shredded or flaked coconut
    1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
    1 cup raisins

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 .

2.  In an extra large bowl, cream the granulated sugar, brown
     sugar and butter with a wooden spoon. Stir in the eggs and
     vanilla until well blended.

3.  In a medium bowl, stir flour, oats, cereal, baking soda, baking
     powder and salt. Stir into creamed mixture.

4.  Stir in the coconut, chocolate chips and raisins.

5.  Shape 2 tablespoons of dough into a ball and set each ball of
     dough on a baking sheet. Flatten once by pressing with your
     palm. Continue with rest of dough. Bake in the preheated
     oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

     Hint: These will pack well for a hiking trip.

     Variation 1: For Thanksgiving, substitute dried cranberries
     and white chocolate chips for the raisins and chocolate chips.         

   
    Variation 2: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
    
    Makes about 4 dozen cookies