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–+ servings
Drop Oatmeal Cookies
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 165 kcal

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
Keyword cinnamon spice, classic recipes, comfort food, homemade, nostalgic dessert, oatmeal cookies, vintage baking
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