Aunt Helen'S Oatmeal Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 14 min Serves: 36 Cuisine: American

Aunt Helen's Oatmeal Cookies are hearty, chewy treats packed with raisins, dates, pecans, and warm spices, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 3 sticks butter or margarine
  • 1 1/2 cups Crisco
  • 1 box brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey or molasses
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 cups flour
  • 6 cups oatmeal

Instructions

  1. Blend together the butter, brown sugar, honey or molasses, vanilla, eggs, soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon with a mixer.
  2. Add the flour, oatmeal, raisins, chopped dates, and pecans to the mixture and mix well by hand.
  3. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
  4. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 13 to 15 minutes.
  5. Cool for 2 to 3 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half margarine. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can substitute white sugar for some of the brown sugar. To add extra flavor, try incorporating a pinch of sea salt. If you want to make these cookies vegan, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use applesauce as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own or can be served alongside a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a fun dessert idea, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious cookie sundae. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter featuring items like Rich'S Magnolia Room Fruit Salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Helen'S Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 298 calories, with 3g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.

298 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 2.1g 3% DV
Carbs 66g 24% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 47.9g 96% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 65.1mg 3% DV
Potassium 185.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 8.3mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 157mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 93.4mg 7% DV
Iron 5.4mg 30% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can be a great addition to Aunt Helen's Oatmeal Cookies. You can mix in about a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips with the flour and oatmeal mixture for a delicious twist.

How can I make these cookies healthier?

To make the cookies healthier, consider using whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the sugar content. You can also substitute some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or use less sugar overall without compromising taste.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to scoop onto the cookie sheet. Additionally, you can add a little more flour if necessary.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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