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Poor Man’s Cookies Recipe

Poor Man’s Cookies Recipe

5.2 from 9 reviews

Poor Man’s Cookies are a simple, classic oatmeal cookie recipe that’s quick to prepare and uses pantry staples. These cookies have a chewy texture with a hint of vanilla sweetness, making them perfect for a comforting treat any day.

Ingredients

Scale

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 shortening and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a soft texture for the cookies.
  2. Add liquids: Beat in the water and vanilla extract until well combined to infuse your dough with moisture and flavor.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt thoroughly.
  4. Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the flour mixture into the creamed mixture, stirring well after each addition to ensure there are no lumps and the dough comes together smoothly.
  5. Fold in oats: Carefully fold in the rolled oats to distribute them evenly throughout the dough, giving the cookies their classic chewy texture.
  6. Drop dough onto baking sheets: Using a tablespoon, drop neat mounds of dough onto greased baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.
  8. Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to stand on the baking sheet for 2 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and prevents breaking.

Notes

  • For a healthier variation, replace shortening with coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce, but keep in mind this will alter texture slightly.
  • You can add raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
  • Ensure the baking soda is fresh for proper leavening and cookie rise.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Use rolled oats, not instant oats, for the best chewy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: oatmeal cookies, quick cookies, simple dessert, vanilla cookies, classic cookie recipe