Drop oatmeal Cookies are a classic American home-baked treat known for their soft centers, lightly crisp edges, and warm spice flavor. Popular throughout the early to mid-20th century, oatmeal cookies were prized for being hearty, affordable, and satisfying. The addition of raisins and cinnamon gives these cookies a comforting sweetness balanced by a gentle spice. Grinding the oatmeal and raisins together creates a tender, moist texture that sets this version apart from chunkier oatmeal cookies. Perfect for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or an afternoon snack, these cookies offer a timeless taste with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups rolled oatmeal
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
Step 2: Grind Oatmeal and Raisins
- Place the rolled oatmeal and raisins in a food processor.
- Pulse until coarsely ground. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Shortening and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 5: Add Milk
- Stir in milk until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 7: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
- Mix until just combined.
Step 8: Add Oatmeal Mixture
- Fold in the ground oatmeal and raisins until evenly distributed.
Step 9: Drop Dough
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
- Leave plenty of room between cookies to allow spreading.
Step 10: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 11: Cool
- Remove from oven.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- Substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor.
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a tart twist.
- Add ½ tsp nutmeg for deeper spice notes.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes to reduce spreading.
- Use brown sugar for a chewier texture.
- Drizzle with a light vanilla glaze after cooling.
- Make smaller cookies for crispier edges.
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 110mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.1mg
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