A little bit better for you cookie

I love craisins. My daughter does too. I came up with these cookies to accommodate our love for craisins and I'd like to think they're a little bit better for you than the average cookie because they have oatmeal and fruit in them.

Vanishing Oatmeal Craisin Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 cups oats
• 1 cup craisins

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees
2. Beat together butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla. Mix well. (I took a cooking class in college and I learned that the secret to a nice soft chewy cookie is to mix the butter and sugar together for a long time. This allows the sugar to dissolve and makes a softer cookie. I usually mix them together for several minutes in my Kitchen-aid.)
   
3. Add remaining ingredients and stir until just barely mixed. (Do not over mix.)
   
4. Drop by round tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until slightly golden.
6. Cool on wire rack.

Makes about 4 dozen.

These are so yummy. I have absolutely no self control with these cookies (but it's OK because they're better for you :) The cinnamon adds the perfect flavor.

I usually bake up half a batch and then roll the rest of the dough into balls and freeze them for later. The frozen balls usually take about twenty minutes to thaw before baking.

Perfect for a cool crisp autumn day. Enjoy!