Margaret'S Oatmeal Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

Margaret's Oatmeal Cookies offer a delightful combination of chewy oats, rich chocolate chips, and optional nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 cups oats
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 24 ounces chocolate chips
  • 2 cups nuts (optional, unwashed cashews)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Beat together shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, egg, water, and vanilla until well combined.
  3. Combine oats, flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl, then add to the wet mixture.
  4. Stir until evenly mixed.
  5. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you’re out of shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. For a healthier twist, swap half of the chocolate chips with dried fruit or nuts. Make sure to use old-fashioned oats for the best texture in your cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These oatmeal cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Serve them alongside a fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Consider incorporating them into a dessert platter with other American recipes for a fun gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy their fresh-baked taste again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Margaret'S Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 1885 calories, with 39g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2776mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).

1885 kcal 94% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 38.8g 78% DV
Total Fat 89.1g 100% DV
Carbs 213.9g 78% DV
Fiber 12.3g 44% DV
Sugar 63.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2775.6mg 100% DV
Potassium 1608.8mg 34% DV
Cholesterol 122.9mg 41% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3% DV
Calcium 346.7mg 27% DV
Iron 11.6mg 64% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 old-fashioned oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but it may change the texture of the cookies. They will be softer and may spread more during baking. If you prefer a chewier cookie, stick with old-fashioned oats.

What can I do if my dough is too dry?

If your dough seems too dry, you can add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, adding an extra egg can help bind the ingredients together.

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so feel free to omit them if you prefer. You can also replace them with additional chocolate chips or dried fruit for added flavor and 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).

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