As you can probably tell from the other cookie recipes I have here on the blog, homemade cookies were a big deal in my house when I was growing up. My mum always had pan of homemade cookies in the oven. Like her Old-Fashioned Dad’s Cookies.
No matter how many packaged cookie choices there are in the grocery store these days, no store-bought cookies can compare to the goodness – and taste – of a homemade cookie.
Old-Fashioned Dad’s Cookies
A couple of weeks ago I was browsing through mum’s old recipe book and I came upon one of her cookie recipes that I used to adore when I was a kid. Apparently, my dad must have adored this one too, as mum always referred to these ones as “dad’s cookies”. It was likely a combination of my dad liking them, and the cookies tasting a bit like those “Dad’s” packaged cookies you can buy at the grocery store.
The original recipe from my mum calls for adding in 1 cup of raisins as the last ingredient, however, my mum never made them with the raisins, so I don’t either. She probably did that because I refused to eat them with raisins in them when I was a kid. So, if you are a big raisin fan, go ahead and throw a cup of raisins into the mix. Just keep an eye on the cookies – I’m not sure how, or if, they affect the baking time.
Leaving the cookie dough to bake in a ball (as I did here), or flattening the dough out slightly with your hand, or a fork, could also change the baking time/consistency. These cookies tend to be more “crispy” if you flatten out the dough before baking. My mum used to flatten them out, but I did not. For these, I wanted a cookie that was more moist in the middle, so I left them in a ball. They are delicious either way!
As mentioned by my reader, Debra, in the comments section of my “Mum’s World Class Chocolate Chip Cookies“, I believe shortening is the “secret” ingredient in these Old-Fashioned Dad’s Cookies, one that helps make these so tasty. Many “newer” cookie recipes do not use shortening in their list of ingredients. Take a quick peek and you’ll see what I mean!
Enjoy these best with a cold glass of milk!
Old-Fashioned Dad’s Cookies Recipe
Jason says
Mmm….! Any cookie that contains coconut is a friend of mine, lol. I’d have to use something other than oats tho. I can’t tolerate them, even the gluten-free, sadly.
Sandy says
Oh darn! So what could you use in place of oats, Jason? I would not know what would be a good replacement. I’m with you in regards to the coconut – I love it!! Mmmm! Thanks for stopping by!
Suzanne G says
My mom always made these cookies and I have carried on the tradition. They are my husband’s favourite cookies.
Sandy says
I love hearing this, Suzanne! Is it the exact same recipe? Any variation? They are so tasty. I hadn’t had them in SO long. Thanks very much for stopping by!
kathy downey says
Wow this sure sounds like a nice cookie,i hope to make these soon ! thsnks
Sandy says
Thanks Kathy! If you love coconut and oats, you’ll love these. Let me know how it turns out if you make them! Thanks for stopping by!
Elizabeth Vlug says
I think some of the best cookies are the ones that have stood the test of time. I’m going to be trying this recipe. Might make half with raisins. and half plain. Thanks for sharing Sandy.
Sandy says
You couldn’t be more right, Elizabeth! Great idea to try this with raisins. I have a feeling they will be tasty! Hope you like them, Elizabeth!
george aitkens says
these look perfect, but I’m wary of using that much cinnamon. what happens if its left out, or the quantity reduced?
Sandy says
Good question, George! I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to your question though. I’ve never left out the cinnamon or reduced the amount. It doesn’t overpower the overall flavour of the cookie if that is what you are concerned about. You could probably reduce the cinnamon by half if you wanted to, without altering the flavour that much. Personally, these are one of my favourite types of homemade cookies. Thanks for stopping by George!