This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe from the collection of Minnie Mae Snyder (1907-2000) offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Minnie, who lived her entire life in Athens, Ohio, passed down her culinary traditions through recipes like this one. Born to Cleveland E. Snyder and Hattie Sherlan Blake, Minnie cherished simple, wholesome baking. This recipe in Vintage Recipe Box 001 reflects her love for creating comforting treats that bring joy to any occasion.
These cookies are lighter in texture than typical oatmeal raisin cookies. They resemble the consistency of a chocolate chip cookie with the subtle presence of oatmeal and the sweet burst of raisins. This recipe stands out for its unique texture and flavor, making it a must-try for any cookie lover.
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
History of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies have roots in the Scottish oatcake, a simple and nutritious snack that evolved into a sweeter treat with the addition of raisins. The first recorded oatmeal cookie recipe appeared in Fannie Merrit Farmer’s 1896 cookbook, signaling its growing popularity in American kitchens. By the early 20th century, oatmeal raisin cookies were considered a “health food,” praised for their fiber and vitamins, even though their nutritional value is similar to that of other cookies.

Tips for Making the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Scalding the Baking Soda: Enhances the leavening effect for a lighter cookie. Dissolve the baking soda in a small amount of boiling water before adding it to the dough for a more consistent rise.
- Adding Salt for Flavor Balance: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors. Adding salt prevents the cookies from tasting too flat and brings out the best in the brown sugar and butter.
- Choosing Mix-Ins: Personalize your cookies with raisins or nuts. Whether you prefer the chewy texture of raisins or the crunch of nuts, this recipe is versatile. Toast nuts before adding for an extra depth of flavor.
Recommended Kitchen Tools for Perfect Cookies
Investing in high-quality kitchen tools can make your baking experience smoother and ensure consistently excellent results. Here are some top-rated items to consider:
- Silicone Baking Mats: These mats ensure even baking and easy cleanup. Place them on your baking sheet before adding the cookie dough. These mats prevent sticking and help your cookies bake evenly.
- Cookie Scoop: Creates uniform cookies for even baking. A medium-sized scoop helps portion the dough evenly, ensuring that all cookies are the same size and bake at the same rate.
- Cooling Racks: Prevents soggy bottoms by allowing air circulation. Transfer cookies to the rack as soon as they’re firm enough to handle. This ensures they cool evenly and maintain their texture.

A Cookie Worth Baking Again
Minnie Mae Snyder’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe is a delightful twist on a classic that is sure to become a favorite in your home. With its light texture and flavorful mix-ins, this cookie stands out from more traditional versions. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply for yourself, these cookies bring a piece of Ohio’s rich culinary heritage right into your kitchen.

Vintage Recipe Box 001
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Explore the Rich History of Vintage Recipe Box 001

Vintage Recipe Box 001 is part of a remarkable collection of eight recipe boxes from the estate of Goldie Ree Lewis Sowers (1889-1987). This box, along with the others, was discovered at an estate sale in Shelby, Ohio, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the culinary traditions of Goldie’s life. Born in Morrow County, Ohio, and living a full 98 years, Goldie’s recipes reflect decades of home cooking, with contributions from friends and family. Each recipe card tells a story of the enjoyed meals, from savory main dishes to sweet desserts.
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Vintage Cookbooks
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, scalded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cup dry oatmeal
- 1 cup raisins or nuts
Instructions
- Cream sugar and shortening
- Add eggs, milk, and vanilla
- Sift dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture
- Fold in oatmeal and raisins
- Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes
