Famous Oatmeal Cookies are a nostalgic treat known for their chewy texture and comforting flavor. Combining oats, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies balance sweetness with hearty texture. The recipe invites creativity, allowing the addition of raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, dates, or coconut for personalized variations. Perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or casual gatherings, these cookies bake to a golden finish and remain soft and flavorful. Their versatility makes them a timeless favorite in classic home baking.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup shortening
- 1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed )
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups quick oats
Optional:
- ½ cup chopped nuts, raisins, dates, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cream Shortening and Sugars
- In a large bowl, cream together shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the egg, water, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until incorporated.
Step 5: Fold in Oats
- Stir in oats and any desired mix-ins like raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips
- Add raisins, dates, nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut for variety (as suggested on the card)
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker, puffier cookies
- Substitute half the shortening with butter for richer flavor
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice note
- Use quick oats for a softer texture; use old-fashioned oats for chewier cookies
- Lightly flatten dough mounds with a fork or fingers for even baking
- For crisper cookies, bake toward 15 minutes; for softer cookies, bake closer to 12 minutes
- Dough or baked cookies freeze well; thaw at room temperature
- Use parchment-lined or well-greased cookie sheets as noted on the card
Nutrition
Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.7mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!