Giant Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

By newbaucher

These colossal cookies taste best when golden around the edges and moist and chewy in the center. With a glass of milk, they're polished off in no time by my grandchildren. -Irene McDade, Cumberland, Rhode Island

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups dried cherries, chopped
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon grated orange peel

Details

Servings 12

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, cream shortening, butter and sugars. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the oats, flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in cherries and orange peel.
Drop by 1/3 cupfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Press to form a 4-in. circle. Bake at 375° for 9-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 1 minute before removing to wire racks to cool. Yield: 1 dozen.