Poor Man’s Cookies are classic Depression-era oatmeal cookies made without eggs, butter or milk. Using basic pantry staples like shortening, oats and brown sugar, they bake up chewy inside with crisp edges and rich caramel flavor. Super easy, budget-friendly and perfect for beginners craving nostalgic treats.
Poor Man’s Cookies
Old-fashioned egg-free oatmeal cookies with chewy centers and crisp edges. Made with no butter or milk for a cheap, easy treat full of caramel flavor.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in hot water and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to shortening mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand just until combined. Fold in oats with a spoon until evenly distributed. Dough will be thick.
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with fingers. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers look set. Cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned oats for best chew. Quick oats make them softer.
- Shortening gives perfect texture. Butter-flavored works for more flavor.
- Add-ins like raisins or chocolate chips go in with oats.
- Store in airtight container up to 1 week.
- Freeze dough balls for quick baking later.
