Take 5 (Spice that is) Oatmeal Cookies

Never one to believe that rules are really rules, especially in the kitchen I had the thought that if Chinese 5-Spice is good with chicken and other savory dishes, why not put it in oatmeal cookies? Well, I did and it is (really, really good as a matter of fact) The magical taste mixture of spices really comes alive in sweet dishes and I am debating if the product might actually be better suited to that calling. For those of you not familiar with 5-Spice it is a combination of 5 spices, each brand varies a little bit but they are very similar. My jar says it has Fennel, anise, ginger, licorice roots, cinnamon and cloves, other brands may contain pepper or other ingredients. Don't worry about the getting the exact version I have any brand will work in this recipe and in any recipe calling for 5 Spice. Once you open the jar and take in the aroma you will be in love.

Don't worry, I will post some other recipes for the 5 Spice in the future so you won't have to use it just in these cookies (but I think it is worth the purchase price just to make the cookies)

Take 5 (Spice that is) Oatmeal Cookies

2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 vegetable shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese 5 Spice 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
Cream the sugars with the butter and shortening until well combined then add the 5 Spice, baking soda, vanilla, baking powder, salt and eggs. Beat to combine on medium speed or with a spoon. 
Stir in oats, flour and walnuts.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto an un-greased cookie sheet.
Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until light brown and starting to set in the middle.
Allow to set up on cookie sheet for about 1 minute then remove to cooling rack.
About 4 dozen cookies