Washboard Oatmeal Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Washboard Oatmeal Cookies are hearty, chewy treats packed with oatmeal and coconut, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for snacking or dessert lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 2 cups fine coconut
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cream together shortening and brown sugar.
  3. Add eggs and beat well.
  4. Mix in dry ingredients: oatmeal, coconut, baking soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and flour.
  5. Form the dough into long rolls and refrigerate or freeze until firm.
  6. Slice the rolls into cookies and bake until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. You can also experiment by adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them. Remember, if you want to make these cookies gluten-free, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free blend. This recipe is a delightful twist similar to Grandma's Good Cream Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for a midday snack or as a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them warm for an extra comforting experience. They also make a great addition to any dessert platter, especially when paired with other treats like Jumbo Raisin-Nut Cookies (Old Recipe). Consider adding a scoop of ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert.

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. Just place them in a freezer bag, and they will last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Washboard Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 255 calories, with 1g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

255 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 5.5g 7% DV
Carbs 39.2g 14% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 21.9g 44% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 491.3mg 21% DV
Potassium 165.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 51.6mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 109.4mg 8% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 oats?

Yes, you can use rolled oats in this recipe, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats will provide a chewier bite compared to quick oats, which blend more seamlessly into the dough. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the shortening with a plant-based shortening or coconut oil. Additionally, check that your vanilla extract is alcohol-free. This will ensure the cookies remain delicious while accommodating a dairy-free diet.

What can I add to enhance the flavor of these cookies?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. These enhancements can elevate your washboard oatmeal cookies to new heights.

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).

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