The Best Frugal Cookie Recipe

Photo by splityarn

These days cookies and cupcakes have gone gourmet, and it’s not uncommon to shell out $1-2 (or more!) on one from a specialty shop. While those might be a sweet treat every once in a while, cookies made from scratch are still a delicious, economical way to enjoy sweets anytime. Cookies are easy to make, allowing toddlers and kids to help. And by steering clear of more expensive ingredients, like nuts, cookies will be kinder to your wallet than they are on your waistline.

One of my favorite cookie recipes of all time is the old-fashioned Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies. These cookies are no-bake, saving time and energy, and they’re made with economical ingredients I always seem to have on-hand.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

½ c. milk
2 c. sugar
1 stick margarine
2 Tbsp. cocoa
3 c. quick cooking oats
1 tsp. vanilla
¼ or ½ c. peanut butter (the family recipe calls for ½ cup but I find that this is too much and it makes the cookies crumbly.)

Mix first four ingredients. Bring to a boil; boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Let stand for several minutes. Drop as individual size cookies on wax paper.

Here are some other classic, simple and frugal cookie recipes to keep you away from the store-bought variety. But if you’re not into baking, check your local bakery thrift store, as cookies there will be just as cheap as making them yourself!

Shortbread Cookies
Snickerdoodles
Stir-'n-Drop Sugar Cookies
Cake Mix Cookies
Meringue Cookies