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–+ servings
Semisweet Oatmeal Cookies
This vintage recipe for soft oatmeal chocolate chip cookies delivers classic, chewy comfort with every bite. Likely a mid-20th-century kitchen staple, it combines pantry basics into a wholesome and indulgent treat. The blend of oatmeal, chocolate chips, and brown sugar creates a cookie with depth, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. It's the kind of cookie that feels like home—ideal for lunchboxes, bake sales, or a cozy night in.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup flour sifted ( sifted)
  • ½ tsp baking soda (sifted)
  • ½ tsp salt (sifted)
  • ½ cup margarine
  • 6 tbsp sugar
  • 6 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • ¼ tsp water
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (or raisins as optional)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugars

  • Beat margarine, sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Mix in the vanilla, water, and egg. Beat until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Mix Batter

  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Fold in Oatmeal & Chips

  • Stir in the oatmeal and chocolate chips (or raisins if using).

Step 6: Bake

  • Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto an ungreased baking sheet.
  • Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Tips

  • Add raisins along with or instead of chocolate chips.
  • Use brown butter for deeper caramel flavor.
  • Replace margarine with butter for richer texture.
  • Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warm spice.
  • Swap part of the oatmeal with quick oats for softer cookies.
  • Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans).
  • Chill dough 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
  • Press dough balls lightly before baking for more even spread.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate on top after cooling.
  • Add 1 tablespoon molasses for a chewier cookie.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 140mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 90IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.1mg
Keyword chocolate chip cookies, classic cookies, family recipe, handwritten recipe, homemade, nostalgic food, oatmeal cookies, vintage
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