Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! These oatmeal cookies, made with Crisco, deliver the perfect balance of chewy texture and delightful flavor. This recipe is a classic for a reason – it's simple enough for beginner bakers yet yields results that even experienced cooks will appreciate. Get ready to enjoy the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen! This recipe provides easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dinner idea or homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Crisco shortening, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened Crisco shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Mix-ins
Stir in the rolled oats, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using).
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between the cookies, as they will spread during baking.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Cookies:
- Softened Crisco: Ensure your Crisco is properly softened; this helps create a smooth and creamy dough. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it in short bursts.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Cookie Size: Adjust the size of your cookie dough balls to control the size and thickness of your cookies.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and cookie size)
This delicious recipe offers a fantastic blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion. These oatmeal cookies are a delightful addition to your baking repertoire, offering a simple yet satisfying homemade treat. Enjoy!