Oatmeal Cookes: A Plate Returned Empty

As part of our 2026 Synod Assembly under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, we are creating a community recipe book — Rooted at the Table. Submit your recipe by Friday, May 1, 2026, and learn more here.

Submitted by Julie Yates (Living Water Lutheran Church, Scottsdale)

This oatmeal cookie recipe is rooted in memory, generosity, and simple hospitality.

Julie learned it from her Aunt Ginny, who always had cookies ready for guests. Today, Julie continues that tradition—bringing these cookies to gatherings where they quickly disappear.

In Lutheran communities, small acts of hospitality matter. A plate of cookies can be a sign of welcome, care, and connection.

Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 C softened butter

• 2 C DARK brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon real vanilla

• 2 Eggs

• 1 1/4 C flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3 C old fashioned oats

• 1 C raisins

Instructions

• Mix butter, brown sugar, vanilla and eggs.

• Add dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

• Refrigerate dough overnight.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Place cookie dough approximately 3 inches apart on cookie sheet and flatten a bit with your palm or a large spoon.

• Bake for 8 minutes.

• Remove pan from oven (even if the cookies don't look done in the middle) and let them continue cooking on the cookie sheet. Remove cookies using a thin metal turner.

• Cookies will be thin.

• Makes 82 cookies!

Story

This is a recipe from my favorite Aunt Ginny who lived in Eugene OR. She always had cookies whenever we visited. I have brought these cookies to many events and return home with an empty plate and request for the recipe. Hope you enjoy the cookies like I have!