Orange Spice Oatmeal Cookies ~ Gluten Free or Not

Orange Spice Oatmeal Cookies ~ Gluten Free or Not
Yield: 3 dozen cookies

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark will work fine)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
zest of 1 large orange, about 1 tablespoon orange zest
3 cups quick oats (or about 3 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats pulsed a few times in the blender)
1 cup brown rice flour *
1/2 cup tapioca starch *
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: 3/4 teaspoon cardamom
1 cup dried cranberries or craisins
* if you are not in need of a gluten-free recipe, simply substitute 1 1/4 cup AP flour for the items marked with an *

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add the the sugars and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla and orange zest and beat until smooth again.

In a separate bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients except the cranberries . Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, half at a time. Stir until fully combined. Add the cranberries, if desired, and stir to combine.

Using a medium size scoop or a rounded tablespoon, drop the dough onto a large baking sheet lined with a silpat mat. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven before the cookies are browned and when they still look soft in the center.

Let them cool on the tray for at least 5 minutes; this will allow them to finish baking without overcooking. Transfer to a cooling rack and then store in an airtight container. These cookies will keep well for several days. Enjoy!

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