Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

For those of you who want to eat a healthier cookie but need that chocolate fix, then Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are what you are looking for. This recipe uses cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate, therefore cutting back on the fat content of the cookie.

You can make this recipe as is, or you can add one cup of any or a combination of the following ingredients to the basic dough. Raisins, Dried Cherries or Cranberries, Chopped Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Chips, or Shredded Coconut.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups regular for quick-cooking rolled oats. (not instant)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup plain shortening

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/3 cups of granulated sugar
2 large eggs lightly beaten
1/2 cup of milk
1 cup raisins (optional)

Preparation:

If you are going to bake two sheets of cookies at a time, then arrange the racks in your oven to divide it into thirds. For baking with one sheet at a time, put one of the oven racks in the center of the oven.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly grease two cookie sheets. (cooking spray works well)
In a medium-size bowl, with a whisk, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and cinnamon until thouroughly mixed.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat together the shortening and sugar until creamy. Beat in the eggs until well blended
With the mixer at medium-low speed, ad some of the flour mixture and then some of the milk, alternating between each until they are both mixed in well.
With a mixing spoon or rubber spatula, stir in the oats and raisins.
Drop by rounded spoonfuls or cookie scoop onto greased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until firm when lightly touched. If you are baking with two sheets at a time, switch baking pans from top to bottom racks halfway through the cooking time. If you are baking with one sheet at a time then rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure that the cookies cook more evenly.
Once you take them out, keep the cookies on the baking sheets for one minute and then transfer them immediately to cooling racks to cool completely