Shakespeare Oatmeal Cookies

Shakespeare Oatmeal Cookies

I got this oatmeal cookie recipe waaaaay back in high school.  A boy named Jeff in our church youth group brought these cookies to some event and they were awesome.  Even back then, I asked for recipes of delicious food, and I've had this one on my trusty little favorite recipe ring for over twenty years. (Yikes, I'm old!)  I have no idea where the name comes from, but that's what I have on the recipe card, so that's what I'm naming this post.

The thing I like about these cookies is that they're not your typical bland oatmeal cookie.  The spices add a whole other dimension and the butter and brown sugar make it melt in your mouth.  You still get the semi-healthy sense of eating oatmeal, but with an added kick.  Good stuff.

In the picture at the bottom of this post, you'll see how I tried to use these cookies for ice cream sandwiches.  Just a small scoop of soft vanilla between two cookies and some freezer time created an even tastier treat.  

(*I've kicked this cookie recipe up another notch by adding candied orange zest.  If you're interested in THAT, I have the recipe for Orange Spice Oatmeal Cookies here on this blog.  Just click on the cookie name you just read.)

Shakespeare Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 3 cups quick cooking oats 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp  ground cinnamon ¼ tsp  ground cloves 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

3/4 cup butter 1/4 cup vegetable shortening 1 cup light brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs

Instructions:

Sift flour, salt, soda, & spices together.  Stir in oats.

Cream butter, shortening, & sugars.  Beat in eggs.  Stir in dry ingredients and blend well. Refrigerate dough for at least two hours or overnight. (I don't recommend freezing this dough.)

Preheat oven to 350°.  Form dough into walnut-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.  Bake at 350° for 10-13 minutes, or until puffed in the middle, and set around the edges.  Allow cookies to cool on wire rack.

Makes about 4 1/2 to 5 dozen cookies.

Oatmeal cookies with vanilla ice cream