Operation Cookie Drop - Part III (Oatmeal Crisps)

Growing up, these cookies were associated less strongly with Christmas for us. Momma would often make these cookies in the summer because they took less work, the oven temperature was a bit lower for these than for other cookies, and they're relatively "hearty" (that is, as cookies go) :)

We didn't help much with these cookies, because there was so little work and because the dough was often crumbly until it was baked. So I'll just give you the recipe (I forgot to take pictures of these cookies). Being a "grown up" myself now, I really enjoy making these. They would be pretty easy to modify, too, if you wanted to make them healthier (using whole wheat flour, for instance, and honey and molasses, instead of sugar and brown sugar). Next time I make cookies just for eating (and not mailing), I'm going to do these and mix them up a bit. I think flax seed would also go well in these cookies!

Oatmeal Crisps

1 c crisco (or butter)

1 c brown sugar

1 c white sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 c flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

3 c quick oats (or regular oats put in the blender/food processor to make them smaller)

Cream first 5 ingredients. Sift dry ingredients together and add to wet until combined. Dough may be a little sticky--this is ok.

Place two sheets of wax paper (about 18" long) on your work surface. Place half the dough on each sheet. Shape the dough into a log (using a spatula and the wax paper so your hands don't get too goopy) and roll it up in the wax paper. Place both logs in the refrigerator for 2 hours (or in the freezer for 30 minutes).

When dough is firm, remove dough from wax paper and place log on cutting surface. Using a sharp knife (I have the best success with a knife for soft cheeses), cut log into slices no more than 1/4" thick.

Place cookies on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool completely before removing from tray (unless you used parchment paper, then just slide the paper off onto a cooling rack).

Cream cheese cookies in the front;
molasses in the middle;

oatmeal crisps in the back.

A tasty table, to be sure :)