Classy Kid and Cookies

I had pipedreams of going to a Parent’s Association meeting at my son’s school all by myself today…enjoying a (hot) cup of coffee with fellow moms….actually hearing what the speaker had to say…and capping my morning off with an organic latte and a treat at Le Pain Quotodien. Instead, I had our little one in tow. The novelty of my purse full of pens, play-doh and little cars and trucks quickly wore off, as did drinking half & half through a skinny straw. At the ripe age of two, my son decided it was time to go…and right then. So he did his attention grabbing “Dammit!” yell a couple times over and we quickly exited the meeting.

Score? Toddler: 1, Mommy: 0.
With our playgroup cancelled and the weather totally foul, I was in no mood to play trains or Candyland…again. So, I suggested we make some cookies. After all, what is a pity party without cake or cookies? If you’re looking for a rainy weekend activity, I can confirm (10 cookies later) that these are worth whipping up.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies 

(makes about 4 dozen cookies)

• 1 1/2 sticks organic butter, softened (or done so in the microwave for 20 seconds)
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Turbinado sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tablespoons vanilla
• 1 ½ cups flour (whole wheat, all-purpose, or gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 Tablespoons cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon ginger 
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, but the chocolate is not, in my book) 
• 1 cup dried cranberries (optional, but the chocolate is not, in my book)
• copious amounts of semi-sweet chocolate chunks (at least a bag, come on these are cookies…)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper (for easier clean-up).
Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugars together until creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla; mix.
Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger; mix.
Add oats, chocolate chips and cranberries (or any other ingredients you’re adding); mix.
Form drop cookies and bake 10-12 minutes, or until a nice golden brown.