Almond Butter Oatmeal Cookies

I've done it. I'VE DONE IT! I have created the perfect cookie. They're so soft and delicious, and best of all, they use up the almond butter that comes in a giant jar at Costco which I can never seem to find enough uses for. So without further ado:

1 cup almond butter
1 cup butter or shortening (I use a 1/2 cup of each)
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup oats

Cream butter (softened first), almond butter, and both sugars. Add eggs and almond extract, mix until blended. Add salt and baking soda first, stir until incorporated, then add flour and mix until dough forms. Add oats last, stirring just until incorporated.
Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Take out of the oven as soon as they start to brown. They will be on the soft side and you will probably think they are not ready yet, but trust me, once they cool they will be perfectly soft and chewy!



* Notes *

Peanut butter obviously will work as a substitute. In this case just leave out the extract. Also, you're boring.

I haven't tried it yet, but my partner mentioned adding slivered or chopped almonds to the recipe to give it some crunchy texture. Might be a good idea!

I suggest everybody go out and invest in a KitchenAid stand mixer. It makes cooking and baking so much faster and easier. Seriously, mine is a gem. I love it so much.