Baking Up Some Childhood Memories!

I don’t know about you, but for me, there is something so special about a warm, gooey, chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven! Maybe it’s because it brings me back to my childhood, of days with no worries, endless hours of fun, and no guilt for indulging in one of life’s simple pleasures! Maybe it's the memories of my mom baking these as a special treat for us as kids! Or maybe it’s just because I have a sweet tooth and can’t get enough of these delicious treats!! Whatever it is, I am obsessed with these cookies and my family can’t get enough of them either! I have been making a batch almost EVERY week for the last few months!! They are so easy to make and we all enjoy one (or two!) fresh from the oven and then my family loves to put them in ziploc bags and we freeze them and love eating them straight from the freezer (especially during these hot summer months)!

I have also used these cookies to make homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches! Just add some ice cream in between two cookies, roll the outer edge in some fun sprinkles and freeze to enjoy later!!

I got this from my mom, who got it from a friend when I was a kid, so who knows where it originated, but all I know is it is delicious! I hope you and your family enjoy these and create your own cookie baking (and eating) memories!!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

2 ½ cups oatmeal

½ tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup walnuts (optional)

(makes approx 36 cookies)

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees

• Cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar

• In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients except the chocolate chips and nuts

• Add the eggs and vanilla to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and mix for about a minute

• Slowly add in the dry mixture to the egg/butter mixture and mix until blended

• Slowly add in the chocolate chips and nuts and mix on low speed for a minute

• Use a small scoop (about 1 TBSP size) and place on parchment or silicone baking sheets about 2” apart

• Bake about 14-16 minutes

• Let sit on baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to cooling rack

Tip: I am dairy free so I have been using the Country Crock vegan sticks of butter and I have used the Enjoy Life vegan chocolate chips, either the mini or the dark chocolate morsels. They are a little pricey, but I love the taste of them and that they are allergen free!! You can find them at www.enjoylifefoods.com or your local store may carry them too.