Super-Size Oatmeal & Raisin Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups regular rolled oats
• 3/4 cup butter flavor shortening
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 1/2 cups raisins

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325 degrees, with an oven rack in the center position.

2. 2

   Spread the oatmeal on a baking sheet and toast them for 15 minutes, stirring them frequently, until they are pale gold in color. Let the oats cool before using.

3. 3

   Reset the oven to 350 degrees.

4. 4

   In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening until it is soft.

5. 5

   Beat in the brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating after each addition until the mixture is fluffy.

6. 6

   Beat in the eggs and vanilla.

7. 7

   Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice.

8. 8

   Stir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture.

9. 9

   Stir in the cooled oats and the raisins and mix well.

10. 10

    Use a 1/3 cup measure as a scoop and level the top of the dough.

11. 11

    Place the mound of dough on a greased baking sheet or on parchment paper.

12. 12

    Flatten it slightly with the palm of your hand to about 5 inches in diameter.

13. 13

    Repeat with the remaining dough, leaving at least 2 inches between cookies after flattening.

14. 14

    With the flat of a knife blade, push the dough inward to to make a neat edge if it has spead unevenly.

15. 15

    Bake the cookies in the center of the preheated oven for 18 - 20 minutes, until they are firm to the touch and lightly bowned around the edges.

16. 16

    Cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes, or until they are firm enough to be removed to a wire rack.