Classic Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

3/4 cup softened butter or margarine (It is important to softened butter!)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick or old fashioned oats
1 cup raisins
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)
1/3 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350F
Beat butter, sugars, milk, egg and vanilla in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to butter mixture. Mix well.
Stir in oats, raisins, walnuts and chocolate chips.
Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets and cool completely.

Other ideas:
White chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies: Omit cinnamon and raisins. Add 1 cup cranberries, 3.4 cup white chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons grated orange zest.

Recipe adapted from Sun-Maid raisins recipe book