Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place parchment paper on your baking sheet.

Cream the butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl using your mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

After adding the eggs and vanilla essence, beat thoroughly.

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the rolled oats, pecans (if using), and raisins or dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes (about), or until the edges are browned.

After 5 minutes of cooling on the baking sheet, move the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling.