Oatmeal Spice Cookies
Oatmeal Spice Cookies offer a warm, fragrant treat with the comforting chew of oats and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings, these cookies combine sweetness, spice, and texture for a versatile delight enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the brown sugar and shortening until well blended.
- Add eggs and milk to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the rolled oats.
- In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients: salt, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the raisins and nuts.
- Do not grease cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, watching carefully until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using quick oats instead of rolled oats. You can also substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier alternative. If you want extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. To enhance the spices, try using freshly grated nutmeg. These cookies can be customized by adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal spice cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For an impressive dessert, serve alongside a slice of Light Moist Fruitcake or as a sweet treat after a meal of hearty American recipes. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal Spice Cookies contains roughly 359 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 552mg per serving (24% 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 butter instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Using butter will add a richer flavor to the cookies, but may slightly alter the texture, making them a bit crispier.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free oatmeal spice cookies, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The rest of the recipe can remain the same.
What can I add for extra texture?
For added crunch, consider including chopped walnuts or pecans. You can also mix in shredded coconut or a handful of chocolate chips. These ingredients will enhance the texture and create fun flavor combinations.
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).