| If adding raisins, plump the raisins in hot water. Drain before stirring into the batter. Cream butter, sugar and brown sugar together. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture. Stir in oats and drained raisins, if desired. Cover, and chill dough for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Drop walnut sized spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet and placing 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. | 
