3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2 cups oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (your choice; I like white or a mix)
1/4 cup raisins or cranberries (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, beat peanut butter and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add both sugars, beat until fluffy. Beat in vanilla and eggs until well mixed. On low speed, beat in flour and baking soda. Stir in oats, chocolate chips and dried fruit (if using).

Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, 3-inches apart.

Bake at 375°F for 11 to 15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Cool 1 minute. Carefully remove from cookie sheets to wire rack to cool completely.

Submitted by: Laurie Jordan