Need a cookie to bake for the holidays? Or just to eat on your own? Chicago Tonight's Phil Ponce swears by this oatmeal cookie recipe from his wife: “This has been my go-to cookie throughout my adult life. Ann knows if she makes these I will be happy for days—especially when they’re a little on the soft side. Everything comes together with these cookies: crunch, sweetness and the pinch of salt rounds out the flavor. Definitely my death-bed cookie.”

Famous Oatmeal Cookies

These are also great with added chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.

Ingredients

3/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco is best)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups uncooked rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Beat together shortening, sugars, egg, water, and vanilla until creamy. Add combined oats, flour, salt, and baking soda and mix well.

3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until almost done; better to underbake and allow them to finish baking after removal from oven.