Grandma Eileen's Oatmeal Cookies

This Mother's Day I wanted to dedicate a post to my Grandmother Eileen. She was such an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Not only was she all of this, but she was also an incredible baker! When I was a child I couldn't wait to go to her house because I always knew that she had tins full of her homemade oatmeal cookies waiting for us. This was something she made every holiday and when we came to visit. It is my dad's all time favorite cookie to this day.

Unfortunately, she never wrote down the recipe and when she passed the recipe was lost forever. Though these cookies are delicious, nobody will ever make oatmeal cookies as amazing as she did. This recipe is dedicated to her, my Grandmother Eileen, and to all of the amazing baking grandmas out there. The memories you gave me as a child are something I will try to replicate someday with my own grandchildren. I love you and miss you!

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs room temperature preferred
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut flakes (optional)
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Beat butter in the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer for about 30 seconds. Add sugars and beat until well mixed.

2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined.

3. Add vanilla extract and gently mix.



4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture until completely combined.



6. Gradually stir in oats until mixed. Add in coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips if you wish.



7. Using about 1/4 cup at a time, make cookie dough balls using your hand and place on a large plate.



8. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

10. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

11. Place 4-5 dough balls on the cookies sheets making sure to give them plenty of space.

12. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until they are a light brown. The centers do not need to be completely done as they will continue to once they are removed from the oven.

13. Allow cookies to cool approximately 15-30 minutes or until completely set.