Preheat oven to 325 degree F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper
In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and both sugars. Beat in the vanilla, then add the eggs and beat just until blended.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add to the batter and stir until blended, then stir in the granola, pecans, dried fruit and chips. At this point, you can scoop the dough into large balls (as directed below) and chill the dough balls on a plate for several hours or you can bake them right away. Chilled dough balls will bake up puffier.
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheet; flatten slightly.
Bake for about 15 minutes (check earlier if you’ve made the cookies smaller) or until edges are browned. Let cool on baking sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Let the cookies cool completely before serving (the texture improves). I like to put them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Notes
I tried baking them at 350 F, but the edges browned a little too quickly, so I reduced the heat to 325 and the slower, lower temperature seemed to help. Another key thing with these cookies is that they need to cool completely. The texture is kind of mealy when warm, but once cooled it’s dense and pleasant.