Marlboro Man’s Favorite Oatmeal Crispies: The Best Classic Cookie Recipe

A no-fuss cookie recipe that delivers nostalgic crunch and comforting homemade flavor.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 16, 2025

A no-fuss cookie recipe that delivers nostalgic crunch and comforting homemade flavor.

There’s something special about a classic cookie recipe that transcends time—a recipe so beloved it becomes woven into the fabric of family tradition. For Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, and her husband, affectionately known as “Marlboro Man,” that recipe is Oatmeal Crispies. These cookies are a no-fuss, comforting staple, appreciated for their simplicity, texture, and ability to deliver a warm, nostalgic bite with each mouthful.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making these iconic cookies—their origins, the step-by-step recipe, tips for success, and answers to the most commonly asked questions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total novice, you’ll find the process straightforward and rewarding.

Why Oatmeal Crispies Matter

Oatmeal cookies, in all their forms, are classic Americana. They’re a recipe nearly every home cook has in their repertoire—some with raisins, some with nuts, some chewy, some crispy. Marlboro Man’s favorite version is a simple, rustic, drop cookie that can be whipped up in moments and delivers an unmistakable, toasty flavor with a satisfying crunch.

For The Pioneer Woman and her family, these cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a cherished ritual, a reminder of home, and a recipe that, once tasted, becomes an instant favorite for any new visitor to the Drummond kitchen.

The Recipe: Step-by-Step

Here’s the complete, detailed recipe for Marlboro Man’s favorite Oatmeal Crispies, as shared by The Pioneer Woman herself:

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups quick oats (or old-fashioned, for a chewier texture)
Optional: 1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for extra crunch)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream the Fats and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You can mix by hand, but using an electric mixer makes the job easier and faster. Beat until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Fold in the Oats (and Nuts): Stir in the quick oats (and pecans or walnuts, if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop Spoonfuls onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop mounds of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

That’s it! You’ve just made Marlboro Man’s favorite Oatmeal Crispie cookies. Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate experience.

Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Crispies

Shortening vs. Butter: While many modern cookie recipes use butter, this classic calls for shortening, which helps create the signature crisp texture. Don’t substitute butter unless you want a softer, chewier cookie.
Type of Oats: Quick oats yield a crisper, more uniform cookie; old-fashioned oats will give you a chewier, heartier texture. Use what you have on hand, or try both to see which you prefer.
Nuts: If you like extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts. For a nut-free version, simply omit them.
Sugar Blend: The combination of brown and granulated sugar creates balanced sweetness and chewiness.
Baking Sheets: No need to grease the pan—the cookies will spread just enough and lift off easily when cooled.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing leads to tough cookies rather than the desired crispiness.
Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Variations and Personal Touches

While Marlboro Man’s Oatmeal Crispies are delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to make them your own:

Raisins or Dried Cherries: Add 1/2 cup raisins, dried cherries, or cranberries to the dough for a fruity twist.
Spices: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm note.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet, gooey change of pace.
Coconut: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut for a tropical flavor and extra chew.
Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a sweet-and-salty contrast.

The Story Behind the Cookie

Like most treasured family recipes, Marlboro Man’s Oatmeal Crispies have a backstory. While The Pioneer Woman doesn’t share a lengthy tale in her original blog post, she mentions that Marlboro Man—who is known for having simple, steadfast tastes—prefers these cookies above all others. She also jokes that she dislikes mixing by hand, but recommends it if you’re feeling up to the task. The recipe’s simplicity is part of its charm, making it accessible to anyone, regardless of baking experience.

This is a recipe that, once you make it, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again. It’s a recipe that’s adaptable, freezable, and shareable—perfect for bake sales, holiday plates, and impromptu visits from neighbors. And, as Ree notes, this is the kind of treat that can make a Sunday afternoon, a long ranch workday, or a simple weeknight feel just a little bit sweeter.

Oatmeal Crispies vs. Other Oatmeal Cookies

Characteristic	Oatmeal Crispies	Chewy Oatmeal Cookies	Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Texture	Crisp, crunchy	Soft, chewy	Chewy, sometimes cakey
Sweetener	Brown & granulated sugar, shortening	Brown sugar, butter	Brown sugar, butter
Add-ins	Oats, optional nuts	Oats, optional chocolate	Oats, raisins or other dried fruit
Baking Time	10–12 minutes	8–10 minutes	10–12 minutes

This table highlights the main differences between classic Oatmeal Crispies and other popular oatmeal cookie variations, showing why Marlboro Man’s favorite stands out with its unique, crisp texture and simple ingredient list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use butter instead of shortening?

You can, but expect a softer, chewier cookie. Shortening is key for achieving the classic crispy texture.

What’s the difference between quick oats and old-fashioned oats in cookies?

Quick oats are smaller and cook faster, yielding a crispier, more uniform cookie. Old-fashioned oats are thicker and result in a chewier, more rustic texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I add raisins or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of raisins or 1 cup of chocolate chips (or both) for a delicious variation.

How should I store the baked cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Let it soften at room temperature for easier scooping.

Conclusion

Marlboro Man’s favorite Oatmeal Crispies are a quintessential American cookie—simple, satisfying, and easy to love. Whether served with a glass of milk, packed in a lunchbox, or shared at a family gathering, these cookies tick all the boxes for comfort, convenience, and flavor. And, like all great recipes, they’re a starting point for personalization; feel free to make them your own with your favorite mix-ins or flavor variations.

The Pioneer Woman’s approach is practical yet heartfelt, which is perhaps why her recipes have become staples in kitchens across the country. These Oatmeal Crispies, in particular, are an invitation to slow down, mix up a batch, and savor the simple pleasures of homemade baking. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and discover why Marlboro Man falls for these cookies every time.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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