Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step back in time and savor the nostalgia with this cherished family recipe for Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies. This is the very cookie that marks the beginning of your baking journey, the one that your mom lovingly made and stored in coffee cans in the freezer, ready to be enjoyed whenever a sweet craving struck. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility—whether you mix the dough with your fingers or use an electric mixer, the end result is a batch of delightful oatmeal cookies that can be customized to your heart’s content. Adding coconut, chocolate chips, wheat germ, or any other desired add-ins allows you to make these cookies uniquely your own. So let’s indulge in the comforting taste of tradition and create a batch of these cherished treats!

YIELD: Makes 1 to 2 dozen cookies depending on size

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Coconut, chocolate chips, wheat germ (any or all, optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs and dry ingredients (salt, baking soda, and old-fashioned oatmeal) to the bowl.
4. Optionally, add coconut, chocolate chips, wheat germ, or any other desired add-ins to the mixture.
5. Mix the ingredients just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a perfect texture.
6. Drop shaggy tablespoons of the dough onto a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, or use an ice cream scoop for more uniform cookies.
7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they develop a slightly golden hue on the edges.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

TIPS:

• Traditional Mixing: For a nostalgic touch, follow the family tradition and mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Use your hands to combine everything, just as you used to do with your mom. If you choose to use an electric mixer, be mindful not to overwork the dough. Always use the paddle attachment to achieve the desired texture.
• Customize Your Cookies: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to add or subtract any of your favorite add-ins to personalize the cookies. Coconut, chocolate chips, wheat germ, or other mix-ins will elevate the flavor and texture of these treats.
• Cookie Size: The recipe yields approximately 1 to 2 dozen cookies, depending on the size. When dropping the dough onto the baking sheet, aim for shaggy tablespoons or use an ice cream scoop to portion them evenly.
• Baking Time: Preheat your oven to 350°F before baking the cookies. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn slightly golden on the edges. This will ensure they’re perfectly cooked with a delightful chewy texture.

As you bite into these Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies, let the familiar flavors and comforting memories flood your senses. Share them with loved ones or keep them for yourself as a delicious reminder of the sweet moments from your past. Enjoy every bite!