In a large bowl, beat together butter or margarine, brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add flour and baking soda, beating until throughly blended.
Stir in oats, raisins and and walnuts, if desired.
Refrigerate dough 1 to 2 hours for easier handling.
To bake cookies, preheat oven to 350 F (175C).
Shape dough into 1-1/2 inch balls. Roll in 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, coating completely.
Place 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets, flatten slightly with bottom of a glass.