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–+ servings
Oatmeal Cookies
These hearty oatmeal cookies are a delicious example of Depression-era baking, where flavor and texture were prioritized despite rationing. Made with a blend of lard and butter, stewed raisins, and warm spices, the dough is soft, sticky, and spooned directly onto the pan for baking. A hint of vanilla and optional nuts give them flexibility, while the use of sour milk and oatmeal adds a chewy richness. These cookies strike a perfect balance between rustic comfort and nostalgic sweetness.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 48 cookies
Calories 143 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup lard
  • 1 cup butter
  • 4 cups oatmeal
  • 2 cups stewed raisins
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs (beaten)
  • 10 tbsp water ( or sour milk)
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 4½ cups flour
  • ⅛ tsp of salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Optional:

  • nuts (chopped )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soak & Combine Oats

  • Mix lard, butter, and oatmeal together in a large bowl. Let stand for 15 minutes to soften.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Mixture

  • Add stewed raisins, sugar, beaten eggs, and sour milk (or water). Mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually stir into wet ingredients.

Step 4: Add Flavoring

  • Stir in vanilla and nuts, if using.

Step 5: Drop & Bake

  • Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto greased or lined baking pans.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips

  • Add a splash of vanilla for a softer, rounder flavor.
  • Mix in chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) as the card suggests.
  • Replace half the butter with shortening for a crispier texture.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmer spice.
  • Chill dough 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
  • Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates.
  • Use sour milk or buttermilk to enhance tenderness.
  • Bake on parchment for more even spreading.
  • Make them “economical cookies” by using the second recipe on the card for a lighter, simpler variation.

Nutrition

Calories: 143kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 96mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 58IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
Keyword comfort food, handwritten recipe, heirloom recipes, nostalgic food, oatmeal cookies, old-fashioned cookies, southern baking, vintage baking
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