These Old-Fashioned Cookies Taste Like Heaven—Our Pastor’s Wife Says They’re Sin-Free!
Bake a batch of these heavenly old-fashioned cookies—blessed by our pastor’s wife as sin-free—for a timeless Tennessee treat. 🌐 #News #NashvilleTN #Tennessee #Food
NASHVILLE, TN – Who doesn’t love a warm, homemade cookie that melts in your mouth and brings back memories of simpler times? At our church in Franklin, Tennessee, the pastor’s wife recently shared her go-to recipe for old-fashioned cookies that she swears are so good, they’re practically sin-free. This timeless treat combines basic pantry staples into a batch of pure bliss. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a quiet night at home, these cookies promise a taste that’s hard to resist. Here’s everything you need to know to whip up this classic recipe yourself.
Why These Cookies Stand Out
What makes these cookies special is their no-fuss simplicity paired with a flavor that feels like a warm hug. They’re soft yet slightly crisp around the edges, with a rich, buttery sweetness that hits all the right notes. The pastor’s wife insists they’re a guilt-free indulgence—perfect for enjoying without overthinking it. Plus, they’re easy enough for beginners but satisfying enough to impress seasoned bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what to gather before you start:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts
These everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary—no fancy extras required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake your own batch:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes with a mixer or by hand.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring just until blended.
- Fold in the Oats: Stir in the rolled oats (and any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts) to give the dough its hearty texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
You’ll end up with about 3 dozen cookies, depending on how big you make them.
Tips for the Best Results
For extra flavor, let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking—it helps the cookies hold their shape. Don’t overbake; pulling them out when the centers look slightly underdone ensures that soft, chewy texture. And if you’re feeling creative, swap in dried cranberries or white chocolate chunks for a twist.
A Treat for Any Occasion
These cookies aren’t just a recipe—they’re a way to bring people together. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday parties, church suppers, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. The pastor’s wife says they’re a staple at her house, and once you try them, you’ll see why. The oats add a wholesome touch, while the buttery base keeps them indulgent yet balanced.
FAQ: Old-Fashioned Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough freezes well—just scoop it into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the time.
Q: What if I don’t have rolled oats?
A: You can skip them, but the texture won’t be as hearty. Quick oats work in a pinch, though they’ll be slightly less chewy.
Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: Not as written, since they use all-purpose flour. Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Q: How long do they stay fresh?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
RELATED TOPICS: Food | Lifestyle | Tennessee
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