Poor Man’s Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Poor Man’s Cookies are a simple, comforting treat that come together quickly with pantry staples. These chewy oat cookies are sweet, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups rolled oats

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about five minutes with a stand or hand-held mixer.
2. Step 2: Beat in the water and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well and scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Then, fold in the rolled oats.
5. Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto greased or parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Let them stand on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture and flavor, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts along with the oats.
• You can substitute melted butter for shortening to add a richer taste.
• Use parchment paper on baking sheets to avoid extra cleanup and prevent sticking.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture will be slightly softer and less chewy compared to rolled oats.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free as well to avoid cross-contamination.

Poor Man’s Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 54 reviews

Poor Man’s Cookies are a simple, classic oatmeal cookie recipe made with basic pantry ingredients like shortening, brown sugar, and rolled oats. These no-frills cookies are quick to prepare and bake to a golden-brown perfection, offering a crunchy texture and sweet, comforting flavor perfect for an everyday treat.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups rolled oats

Instructions

1. Cream the shortening and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand-held or stand mixer to cream together the shortening, packed brown sugar, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about five minutes of constant beating, which helps to fully incorporate air for tender cookies.
2. Add water and vanilla: Beat in the 1/4 cup water and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
4. Mix dry ingredients with wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly and scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure even incorporation.
5. Fold in oats: Gently fold 2 cups of rolled oats into the cookie dough. Optionally, you can also fold in add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts at this stage.
6. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your baking sheets with shortening, butter, or cooking spray, or line them with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
7. Scoop and bake cookies: Using tablespoons, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they reach a golden brown color.
8. Cool the cookies: After baking, allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheets for 2 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Properly creaming shortening and sugar is key to achieving the right texture; use a mixer for best results.
• If desired, add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit along with the oats to customize your cookies.
• For easier cleanup, line baking sheets with parchment paper instead of greasing.
• Make sure cookies are spaced adequately on the baking sheet to avoid sticking together while baking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.

Keywords: oatmeal cookies, easy cookies, classic cookies, quick dessert, pantry ingredients, simple cookies, baked cookies