Poor County Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy oatmeal cookies packed with dried cherries, apples, cinnamon, and nuts, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, perfect for snack or dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup margarine
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 3 cups quick cooking oats ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples ⓘ
- 1 cup dried cherries ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream margarine and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add egg, milk, and vanilla; mix thoroughly.
- Sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix.
- Stir in oats, apples, dried cherries, and chopped nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 14 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you don't have dried cherries, try raisins or cranberries as a substitute. Adding a pinch of sea salt can enhance the sweetness of the brown sugar. If you like a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the pan. This recipe is a delightful example of American recipes that are both comforting and easy to make.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. Serve them warm alongside a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They also pair beautifully with Jupes Salad for a light meal. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store the oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to three months. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, which will restore their chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor County Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 255 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 656mg per serving (29% 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 rolled oats instead of quick cooking oats?
Yes, you can substitute rolled oats for quick cooking oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats may result in a chewier cookie, which many people enjoy. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if necessary, as rolled oats take a bit longer to soften.
What can I substitute for nuts in this recipe?
If you have nut allergies or prefer to avoid them, you can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You could also use additional dried fruit for added texture and flavor, making it a great option for vegetarian recipes.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these oatmeal cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free, as regular oats may be contaminated with gluten during processing. This allows you to enjoy a delicious gluten-free treat without sacrificing flavor.
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).