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HOMEMAKING HANDBOOK

Historical wisdom for modern life

Recipe

Depression Era Oatmeal Cookies

A thrifty 1930s oatmeal cookie that stretches pantry staples without sacrificing comfort.

Cookies on a plate with a glass of milk
Photo by Nimra Yamin on Unsplash

Context

During the Depression, oatmeal stretched fat and sugar. Many published recipes reduced butter and relied on raisins or water when milk was scarce.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter or shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar until light.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
  3. Stir together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; fold into the creamed mixture.
  4. Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.