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A staple at Thistle Ha’ for decades, enjoyed by young and old, this cookie has a biscuit-like crunch and nutty flavour. The dough can also be prepared in a food processor, but the texture of the biscuit will be finer since the oats will be ground. A cookie sandwich with the date filling is optional but very tasty.

Elsie Miller’s Oatmeal Cookies

Makes 6-7 dozen 2″ cookies.

  • 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup total of butter and lard
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 3 tsps. baking powder
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 3 T. milk
  • 1/4 tsp. almond extract

Mix the flour, salt, and baking powder. Cream the sugar into the shortenings, then rub in the flour mixture and oats. Add eggs, milk and almond extract. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into 2 inch rounds. Bake at 325°F. for 8 minutes.

Date Filling

  • 3 cups dates
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix the first 3 ingredients and stir over low heat until a paste of spreading consistency is achieved. Cool slightly and add the vanilla. Allow the filling to cool completely before using. You may want to roll the cookies out a bit thinner if you are going to fill them, and bake them for a little less time.