Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Cream butter and sugar together until fully incorporated, using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Scrape sides of bowl and mix until combined.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl mix all dry ingredients except oats. Use a whisk or sift together to distribute evenly. Add dry ingredients to wet, a bit at a time. Then add oats, a bit at a time.
Finally, add dried fruit and nuts and mix briefly.
Drop by heaping tablespoon onto prepared cookie sheets. Then, using slightly damp (not wet) fingers, flatten them into disks. You can leave the edges somewhat irregular. Just be sure to leave at least an inch or two between the cookies, because they will spread a bit. Place no more than a dozen cookies on the sheet at a time. 4 rows of three works best.
Bake for approximately 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown (set a timer!). The cookies will rise a bit, then flatten out and brown. Watch them carefully, and if necessary, rotate the pan during baking for even browning. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: approximately 36 cookies, depending on size.
