We made cookies the other day, using the recipe my mom has always used. Always. And still does. I think I had these in my lunch everyday until I graduated from high school. And then they arrived at Whitworth in care packages.
So even though this recipe came from Mrs. Keating (who was a very nice lady as I recall), they are really "Mom's Cookies."
Mom's Cookies
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp. molasses
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups quick oats
2/3 cup raisins
1 cup nuts
1 cup chocolate chips
Cream together butter and sugar; add eggs, molasses, and vanilla. Combine flour, cinnamon, and baking soda; add to creamed mixture. Stir in oats, raisins, nuts, and chocolate. Drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Makes six dozen.
So that's what the recipe says--from the 1976 church cookbook in Redondo Beach where we lived until I was six. (My copy belonged to my grandmother; I love that it has her handwriting all throughout it.)
But here's the thing. They turn out differently for me than they do for Mom. And sometimes hers turn out differently from each other--depending on the weather, the day of the week, whether you use butter or margarine, or some such thing. And I never get the same amount--maybe because I'm not real consistent with cookie size.
But they're always good.
We used coconut, raisins, dark chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips yesterday. We left out the nuts since the girls go to a nut-free school.
You could use dried cherries, cranberries, apricots, or golden raisins. Walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts. White chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, swirl chips. Whatever you have on hand will work.
You will love them. I promise!
EDITED TO ADD LATER:
Jenny: I tried to respond to your comment, but it was sent back to me--I don't have your email address. Anyway, here's what I tried to send you!
Now that you say that, I think I remember your mentioning that before. We lived just up the hill in Redondo Beach on Via Calousa. I have great memories of being pulled along in my wagon with my sister, tucked in with pillows and blankets, on evening walks with my parents.
Wave at the ocean for me—I miss seeing it everyday like I did when we recently lived in San Diego!
Joanne
Wave at the ocean for me—I miss seeing it everyday like I did when we recently lived in San Diego!
Joanne
Ooh looks nice! I shall try that out one day :) That's going into my little folder of recipes!
Posted by: Puva | January 20, 2009 at 05:10 AM
Thanks for sharing this, Joanne. They sound delish.
Posted by: misschris | January 20, 2009 at 09:43 AM
I know what you are talking about when you say the cookies don't come out like your mother's. My mom made the most wonderful gingersnaps. I have the recipe, but when I make them they never come out like hers. I've tried using different shortenings, butter, etc. Just can't figure it out.
Posted by: Vicki | January 20, 2009 at 09:44 AM
Oh my gosh!! We live near that church! How funny!! : )
Posted by: JennyM | January 20, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Hi there! I have had the pleasure of coming across Memory Monday and is excatly what I need. I am young in spiritual journey so wish me luck!!!!
Posted by: mamasmitten | January 20, 2009 at 11:06 AM
These remind me of my Kitchen Sink cookies. Yum. Mee.
Posted by: Susan | January 20, 2009 at 01:55 PM
These were delicious, my whole fam LOVED them...thanks for sharing your recipe! We also adored your morning glory muffins...the fam is BEGGING me to make them again! :)
Posted by: Rachel Finneman | January 20, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Haha! I think my mom's feelings are still hurt when as kids we would always say to her "Mom why can't you make it like Grandma! Hers are better!" Ouch!!
And now I can never bake the same as my mom either. In fact I don't bake many of her recipes at all, they are never as good and therefore always disappointing.
Posted by: Carrie | January 20, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Joanne,
I was in need of a good cookie recipe and this was perfect. My son and I made these yesterday when he got home from Kindergarten. They were fresh out of the oven when his sister arrived two hours later from school....and she was VERY happy. I didn't have choc. chips so I added white choc. chips....they were delicious. These will be a staple in our house:) Thanks....they are yummy.
Posted by: Jennifer Medeiros | January 21, 2009 at 01:11 PM
what kind of cookies are they in the end? are they close to choc. chip or something else i may know?
will be making them this weekend!
thanks SO much for your blog. i love, love to see your crafts and recipes along with your Christian wisdom and blog fellowship!
Kelli Linkis <><<
Posted by: Kelli Linkis | January 21, 2009 at 03:02 PM
Hi Joanne - I made these cookies last night, with dried cherries, dark chocolate chips, and roasted pecans, and they are awesome! My husband LOVED them!
Question though - the recipe doesn't call for salt, which is unusual as most cookie recipes do have some salt... Is there supposed to be some salt added?
Posted by: Fuzzytop | January 22, 2009 at 06:43 AM
Joanne,
I know where that is! My kids go to school in PV- and I waved at the ocean for you today! I have to wave fast- we are moving to Oklahoma in March. But for now, I will breath deep that wonderful smell of beach. : )
oh- my email, [email protected]
: )
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny | January 22, 2009 at 11:47 AM