WWII Oatmeal Molasses Cookies

This was my Grandmother's recipe from the 1940's. These cookies use molasses in place of brown sugar, which was one of the items rationed during the war (and harder to get than white sugar, they tell me). To me they're better than regular oatmeal cookies!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 97 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (Optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup raisins (Optional)
• ¾ cup shortening
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups oatmeal
• 5 tablespoons light molasses

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, oatmeal, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

In another large bowl, beat the sugar with the shortening until smooth and creamy; mix in beaten eggs, molasses, and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Stir in walnuts and raisins. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.

Step 4

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until slightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.