Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies
If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, let me introduce you to my version of Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies. These delightful treats are soft, chewy, and packed with nostalgic flavors that will bring you back to those school days when lunch was the highlight of the day. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. So, preheat that oven and let’s dive into the delicious world of oatmeal cookies!
Why This Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies Stands Out
There’s something uniquely comforting about Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies. They’re not just your average cookie; they evoke memories of school lunches and carefree days. The combination of oats, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness makes these cookies a standout in any cookie lineup. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk or sharing them with friends, they are sure to impress. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them a great choice for bakers of all levels.
What Goes In
To whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll be gathering:
- 14 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup Crisco shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
Make sure to have these ingredients ready for a smooth baking experience!
Cook’s Kit
Before you start baking, gather the following tools to make the process easier:
- Mixing bowls – A large bowl for mixing wet ingredients and a smaller one for dry.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking!
- Electric mixer – To cream the butter and sugars together effectively.
- Cookie sheets – Make sure they’re lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack – Essential for letting your cookies cool properly.
Cooking Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies: The Process
Now, let’s get into the fun part—baking these amazing cookies! Follow these steps for a batch of perfect Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and Crisco shortening. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the sugar and brown sugar, mixing until well combined.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is incorporated.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This step is crucial to ensure that your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks remaining.
Step 6: Fold in the Oats
Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats. This is where the texture comes from, so make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will help them set up nicely.
Customize for Your Needs
These Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies are versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your taste:
- Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. A pinch of ginger or allspice can add a nice twist!
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal combined with water and use coconut oil instead of butter.
What I Learned Testing
During my testing phase for these Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies, I discovered a few things that might help you achieve the best results:
- The balance of butter and shortening is key for the perfect texture—soft yet chewy.
- Letting the dough rest for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and improve the texture.
- Using old-fashioned oats is essential for that classic chewy texture, so avoid quick oats.
Prep Ahead & Store
These cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto cookie sheets and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
To store baked cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper.
FAQ
Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While you can use instant oats, they will result in a different texture. Old-fashioned oats provide the best chewiness and flavor in Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to appear set but slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Absolutely! Baked cookies freeze well. Just place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag with layers separated by parchment paper.
What can I do with leftover cookie dough?
You can freeze it for later use or bake a few now and save the rest for a cookie emergency. Just scoop and freeze until firm, then store in a bag.
Before You Go
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make these Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies. They are not just cookies; they are a delightful trip down memory lane. Whether you bake them for a gathering or simply for yourself, they are bound to bring joy and comfort. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the process. Happy baking!
Lunch Lady Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and Crisco shortening until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the sugar and brown sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, let the dough rest for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Feel free to customize with chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
