Oatmeal Cranberry Cashew Squares

It's far more appealing to whip everything up in a bowl or thereabouts, place it in a pan and let it do its magic for 25 minutes. This recipe gives you the flexibility of squares or cookies; so if pressed for time, squares are the way to go and if you have the time, then cookies will be the relaxation and effort one may need. I prefer this recipe in its former, squares as I find they are delightfully substantial and chewy, becoming my rainy day indulgence. 

Oatmeal Cranberry Cashew Squares

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2/3 cup granulated white sugar 

2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

3 cups old fashion or quick cooking oats

1 cup unbleached all purpose flour

1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries

1/2 cup diced dried apricots

1/2 cup chopped cashews

Heat oven to 375ºF. Line the bottom of an 8x8x2 inch square baking tin with baking parchment paper.

In a large bowl add the white sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, baking soda, ground cinnamon, vanilla, baking powder, salt and eggs. Beat ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed until nicely blended.  

In another bowl combine the oats, flour, cranberries, apricots and cashews together. Add to the butter sugar mixture and stir to combine. 

Spoon dough into the prepared baking tin and press down evenly, using moisten hands if need be. Bake for 25 minutes or until light brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Once cooled cut into 4 rows by 4 rows, 16 squares.

If making cookies... drop by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inch apart on a lined cookie sheet. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until lightly brown. Remove immediately from baking sheet to a wire rack to cool. 

Notes: I found the edge of the squares to bake more quickly than the centre, to which I found a bit soft and giggly, you could add more baking time however you have to keep checking as you do not want to overcook them. If the centre is semi-soft or semi-set that is okay as they will firm up and set upon cooling and are meant to be chewy not crunchy.