Fruited Oatmeal Drops
Fruited Oatmeal Drops are chewy, flavorful cookies packed with bananas, raisins, nuts, and cherries, perfect for a sweet snack or breakfast treat for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup mashed bananas ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 2 cups quick cooking oats ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar until well blended.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add mashed bananas.
- Add sifted flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves; mix well.
- Stir in quick cooking oats.
- Add raisins, chopped nuts, and chopped candied cherries; mix thoroughly.
- Drop teaspoons of batter onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use rolled oats instead of quick cooking oats for a heartier texture. If you don't have raisins, try dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor profile. Additionally, adding a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the spice level in these cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious drops with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful snack. They also pair beautifully with Jean Hardin's Salad for a wholesome lunch. Consider adding a dollop of yogurt on the side for a creamy contrast, or enjoy them as a breakfast treat alongside fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Fruited Oatmeal Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until slightly warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Oatmeal Drops contains roughly 332 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value), calcium (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 substitute the bananas with another fruit?
Yes, you can replace the mashed bananas with applesauce or pureed pumpkin for a different flavor. Keep in mind that using applesauce will yield a slightly less sweet cookie, while pumpkin will add a warm, earthy taste.
How can I make these oatmeal drops gluten-free?
To create a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the oats are labeled gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur during processing. This will maintain the texture while making them suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Is it possible to freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
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).