Dad'S Favorite Oatmeal Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Dad's favorite oatmeal cookies are chewy and flavorful, combining oats, nuts, and a hint of vanilla, perfect for hearty snacking or sharing with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 cups oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup nuts

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugars, then add beaten eggs and vanilla.
  2. Mix well to combine.
  3. Sift together flour and baking soda; add to the mixture.
  4. Mix well until dough is uniform.
  5. Add oatmeal and nuts; mix thoroughly.
  6. Form the dough into 4 rolls.
  7. Wrap each roll in waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  8. Slice the chilled dough into cookies.
  9. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half shortening instead of all shortening. You can substitute half of the oats with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you don't have nuts on hand, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruits instead. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly, as this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Serving Suggestions

These oatmeal cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. They make a delightful dessert after a hearty meal or can be enjoyed as a snack throughout the day. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Under The Red Sea - Jello Salad for a colorful party treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dad'S Favorite Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 328 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value).

328 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 19.5g 25% DV
Carbs 32g 12% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 9.4g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 220.9mg 10% DV
Potassium 283.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 0.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 39.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 3.6mg 4% DV
Calcium 41.4mg 3% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains 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 use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Quick oats will create a softer cookie, while rolled oats provide more chewiness. If you prefer a chewier texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.

How can I make these cookies healthier?

To make these cookies healthier, consider reducing the sugar by a quarter or using a sugar substitute. You can also add in some flaxseed or chia seeds for added nutrients. Additionally, using whole grain flour will increase the fiber content.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and form it into rolls, then wrap them tightly in waxed paper and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the rolls for up to three months and slice them when you're ready to bake.

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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