1 1/2 c. butter softened
1 1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
3 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. quick-cooking oats
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Choose from the Following Stir Ins:

1 1/2 c. candy coated chocolate pieces
Two 4 oz. bars milk chocolate, cut into small chunks
12 oz. pkg. semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 c. raisins

Heat oven to 350. In large mixer bowl combine butter, brown sugar, and sugar. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, continue beating until well mixed, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low; add remaining cookie ingredients. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed, 1 to 2 minutes.

By hand, stir in chocolate pieces or desired stir ins.

Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. For even baking, rotate cookie sheets halfway through baking time. Let stand 1 minute before removing from cookie sheets.

Makes 5 dozen cookies.

Variations:

Cocoa Chocolate Chip Cookies: Omit quick-cooking oats and substitute 1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa.

Peanutty Chocolate Chip Cookies: Omit quick-cooking oats and substitute 1 cup peanut butter.