Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat well. Add the dry ingredients and blend well. Stir in the oats. Fold in the chocolate chips and the dried fruit and the nuts, if using. The dough will be fairly stiff.

Step 3

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto unoiled baking sheets. For large cookies, place rounded blobs of dough about the size of a ping-pong ball on the baking sheets, placing then about 4 inches apart. For smaller cookies, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4

Transfer the cookies to wire cooling racks. Cool completely before storing ill a sealed container.