Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

Serves: 48
Prep:    20min
Cook:   20 min
Total:   44min
              
Ingredients

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups whole grain pastry flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups dried cherries, chopped

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the oats, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and almond extract. Gradually beat in the oat mixture. Stir in the cherries.

4. Drop by rounded tablespoons about 2" apart onto 2 ungreased baking sheets.

5. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a rack for 2 minutes. Remove from the sheet and place on the rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Facts per serving
Calories              105.8 cal
Fat                     3.7 g
Saturated fat       2 g
Cholesterol          17.2 mg
Sodium               33.2 mg
Carbohydrates     16.6 g
Total sugars         9 g
Dietary fiber        2.3 g
Protein                1.7 g

Photo: Mitch Mandel

Recipe courtesy of Rodale Recipe Finder