Cookie Monster

My sweet friend, Lauren, hosted our small group at her house on Monday night. I love Lauren for so many reasons. Lauren is incredibly thoughtful, genuinely kind, crafty, fun, and funny (yes, those are two different things). She is also ridiculously pretty and she doesn't know it.

My very pregnant self, Lauren, and Marissa, celebrating Lauren's birthday this year

Lauren means a lot to me, but on Monday night, she sealed the deal. I'm re-working my will. I'll make sure she is mentioned in my eulogy. Lauren introduced me to my one true love.

When I walked through Lauren's front door Monday evening, I had no idea I was about to come face to face with my favorite. cookie. ever. These cookies are the perfect mix of all things. Sweet. Salty. Chewy. Soft. Yet, there's nothing complicated about them. Just simple perfection.

If you only do one thing for yourself this weekend, heck, this summer, make a batch of these cookies. Small group was Monday night. I made a batch for myself on Tuesday night. And another tonight. I'm shameless, but I wouldn't steer you wrong.

Happy Baking!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup white sugar
* 2 eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups quick-cooking oats
* 1 cup chopped walnuts (I used pecans instead- yum!)
* 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Mix in the quick oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.