Judy Murphy's Oatmeal Cookies

This is a very different oatmeal cookie. I grew up with these being made often by my mother. She in turn got it from her Aunt Judy. They are wonderful dipping cookies for coffee, tea or milk. They're crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle. Another bonus is that they're dairy free!

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Yields: 4-5 Dozen

Ingredients

• 2  cups brown sugar
• 1  cup white sugar
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cloves
• 4  cups quick oats
• 2  cups flour
• 1  cup shortening, melted
• 1⁄2 cup water, boiling
• 2  teaspoons baking soda

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all dry ingredients (not soda), add melted shortening and mix well.
3. Dissolve soda in boiling water and add to mixture.
4. Mix all together (you may want to get your hands in there). Add a little more water if too dry.
5. Form into small little patties about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a non greased cookie sheet.
6. Bake for 15 minutes.
7. Towards the end of baking (10 min) lift cookie sheet by edge and drop down to collapse cookie (trust me).