(For those who love a bit of a "crunch" in their cooky. Modified by Judy to reduce sugar and butter. Could even reduce the sugar even more as they are plenty sweet. Also called Cowboy or Cowgirl cookies. Get their name from their legendary durability. Because the treats are packed with oats, cereal, and other energy-dense ingredients, they supposedly could withstand long days in saddlebags without spoiling.)
Combine and Mix thoroughly:
1/4 c. Brown sugar
1/3 c. White sugar
1 cube of butter
1 T. Maple syrup (optional)
Add and then mix for 6 minutes:
2 t. vanilla
1 t. almond extract
2 medium eggs or 1 large
Mix together, then add to the above mixture—stirring well with large spoon
1 1/2 c flour (may be a combination of white/whole wheat)
1/2 t. baking powder
pinch of salt
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 c. bran, raisin bran or corn flakes
1 1/2 c. rolled or quick oats
1 c. walnuts (optional)
1/2 c. coconut
1 c. chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 c. Dried cranberries (optional)
Other versions add puffed rice or rice krispies.
Form the dough into ice cream scoop size balls onto a greased cookie sheet. They should be about 3" apart. Mash each cookie down with your hand. Bake at 350* for about 10-14 minutes until slightly browned on the edges. They should still look soft in the middle.
