Oatmeal Peek-A-Boos
Delightful oatmeal cookies with a peek-a-boo design, combining hearty oats with sweet, buttery flavor—perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together in a bowl the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the softened shortening, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and water.
- Beat until smooth, then blend in the oats.
- Chill the dough for several hours or overnight.
- Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a floured 2 1/2-inch round cutter to cut cookie rounds.
- Use a smaller cutter or sharp knife to cut a design in the center of half the cookies.
- Remove the centers from the cut-out cookies.
- Place the whole plain cookie mounds on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. Make sure to chill the dough sufficiently; this helps prevent spreading while baking. If you're short on time, you can skip the chilling, but the cookies may not hold their shape as well.
Serving Suggestions
These Oatmeal Peek-A-Boos are delightful served with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a fun twist, try filling them with a layer of jam or chocolate ganache. They pair beautifully with Paper Cup Frozen Salads for a light dessert option at a picnic or gathering.
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, placing parchment paper between layers. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in a microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal Peek-A-Boos contains roughly 707 calories, with 9g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (26% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 in this recipe. They will yield a slightly different texture, making the cookies a bit softer. However, both types of oats will work well, so choose based on your preference.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, unsalted butter is a great substitute. It will add a richer flavor to the cookies. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option, keeping in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
How can I make the cookies more visually appealing?
To enhance the appearance, consider adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for a bit of sparkle. You can also fill the peek-a-boo cookies with colorful icing or jam for a festive touch, making them perfect for celebrations.
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).