Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup margarine or butter
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 2 cups rolled oats

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl beat margarine or butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half of the flour, the brown sugar, egg, baking powder, vanilla, and baking soda. If desired, stir in cinnamon and cloves. Beat till thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour. Stir in oats.
2. Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375° oven for 10 to 12 minutes or till edges are golden. Cool cookies on a wire rack.
3. Fruit-Topped Oatmeal Cookies: Prepare as above, except, for topping, in a medium saucepan combine 1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apples, pears, or peaches; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/3 cup chopped pecans; and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer till fruit is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. After dropping dough onto cookie sheet, press centers with your thumb. Fill each indentation with a level teaspoon of topping. Makes about 48.
4. Raisin Oatmeal Cookies: Prepare as above, except, after stirring in oats, stir in 1 cup raisins or currants. Makes about 54.
5. Choose-a-Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Prepare as above, except, after stirring in the rolled oats, stir in 1 cup semisweet chocolate, butterscotch-flavored, or peanut-butter-flavored pieces and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. Makes about 54.