Mother'S Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
Old-fashioned oatmeal cookies with warm spices and crunchy pecans, offering a comforting treat suitable for all occasions and perfect for those who love hearty, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
- 1 cup margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend margarine, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
- Combine sifted all-purpose flour, salt, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
- Add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture; mix to blend.
- Stir in old-fashioned oats and chopped pecans.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with Pam.
- Flatten with a floured fork to about 2-inch diameter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Cool slightly on the cookie sheet, then remove to a cooling rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes. You can substitute half the margarine with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist. If you don't have pecans, walnuts work well too. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile. For a variation, consider mixing in dark chocolate chips or dried fruit to create a different texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served alongside a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, consider pairing them with Helen'S Cranberry Salad for a sweet and tangy contrast. They make a perfect treat for cookie exchanges or family gatherings, offering a nostalgic taste of home.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them. Just place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 130 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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 make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free as well, as cross-contamination can occur during processing.
How can I make these cookies chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, try adding an extra egg yolk or reducing the baking time slightly. Additionally, using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar can help retain moisture in the cookies.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding up to a cup of chocolate chips will create a delicious variation. You can mix them in along with the oats and pecans for a delightful chocolatey twist that complements the spices.
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).