Chewey Oatmeal Cookies

These are perfect crispy yet soft in the middle oatmeal cookies.  They are easy andeveryone loves them.

1 Cup butter, softened
1Cup white sugar
1 Cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
2 teaspoons maple flavoring

2 cups flour
2 cups quick oats ( I use regular and wizz them in the blender or processor until they are not whole)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Optional:  chocolate chips, chopped pecans etc.

   Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, maple and beat well.
  In a seperate bowl combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  Gradually add to creamed mixture andmix well.  Add the raisins and drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper.

   Bakeat 350 for 9-10 minutes untiledges are lightly brown.  Cool on pan for 1 minute before moving.

Makes about 18 large cookies.