Lunch Box Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Chewy, hearty lunch box cookies loaded with oats, raisins, and warm cinnamon, perfect for satisfying snack cravings or lunchboxes with a delightful crunch and sweetness.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup Ralston Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1 1/2 cups Raisin Bran cereal

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a baking sheet.
  3. Cream butter, shortening, and sugars until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in eggs and vanilla.
  5. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  6. Add to the creamed mixture and blend thoroughly.
  7. Stir in oats and Raisin Bran cereal.
  8. Drop by level tablespoon 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.
  10. Let cool for 1 minute before removing from the baking sheet.

Tips & Substitutions

For a chewier texture, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have Ralston Old Fashioned Oats, any rolled oats work well. You can also substitute the Raisin Bran with your favorite cereal for added crunch. Adding a handful of chocolate chips can enhance the flavor, making them reminiscent of Crispy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars.

Serving Suggestions

These Lunch Box Cookies make a delightful snack on their own or paired with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. For a fun lunchbox treat, add some fresh fruit or yogurt alongside. They also serve well at gatherings, where they can be enjoyed with other treats like Dark Seduction Cake or Yummy Chips.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through, restoring their soft texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lunch Box Cookies contains roughly 238 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.

238 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 11.4g 15% DV
Carbs 28.7g 10% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 373.5mg 16% DV
Potassium 94.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 30.8mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 2.8mg 3% DV
Calcium 61mg 5% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. However, the cookies may have a slightly different texture and flavor. Ensure the margarine is softened to the same consistency as butter for optimal results.

What can I use instead of eggs?

If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the cookies moist.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned and the centers look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them for the best texture.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →