The Best Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy, hearty oatmeal cookies with walnuts and cinnamon, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and suitable for a quick homemade treat or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar. Add beaten egg.
- Sift together flour, soda, and cinnamon.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
- Then add oats, walnuts or pecans, and vanilla. Chill for 1 hour.
- Place walnut-sized pieces on a greased cookie sheet. Butter the bottom of a small glass.
- Dip the glass in granulated sugar and flatten each piece.
- You don't need to butter the glass bottom; just resugar each time.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients. If you prefer a healthier twist, substitute half of the shortening with applesauce or use coconut oil. For a nut-free option, replace walnuts or pecans with sunflower seeds. Adjust cinnamon according to your taste for a more pronounced spice.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal cookies are delightful on their own, but pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a special treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy them as part of a dessert platter with Cherry Cheese Brownie Squares and Smackeroon Cookies for a sweet variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven for a few minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 1961 calories, with 22g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 466mg per serving (20% 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 old-fashioned oats instead of quick rolled oats?
Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be chewier. If you prefer a softer cookie, stick with quick rolled oats as they blend better into the dough.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free oatmeal cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your oats are labeled gluten-free as some may be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing.
What can I add to customize my oatmeal cookies?
Feel free to customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor. Experiment with mix-ins to find your perfect combination!
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).