Laura Bush's Oatmeal-Chocolate Chunk Cookies

1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ cups light-brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose (plain) flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 cups quick cook oats (not old-fashioned)
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 1/2 packages (8 oz each) chocolate chunks (3 cups)
2 cups coarsely chopped dried sour cherries

Heat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking pans with parchment paper.

With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and oats; slowly beat until blended.

Stir in walnuts, chocolate and cherries. Drop by tablespoonfuls on to prepared cookie sheets.

Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on pan on wire rack for 1 minute.

Transfer cookies directly to racks to cool.