Bushel Basket Cookies
Bushel Basket Cookies are large, hearty cookies packed with raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, and oats, offering rich flavors and satisfying texture perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the sugar, shortening, and eggs until well blended.
- Add the raisins, chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, rolled oats, milk, soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla, molasses, and flour.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until a uniform dough forms.
- Drop teaspoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, consider using half brown sugar instead of all granulated sugar. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or cherries for a different flavor. If you don't have shortening, butter can work, but it may change the cookie's texture slightly. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or holiday parties. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with Cabbage Au Gratin Soup for a cozy meal. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bushel Basket Cookies contains roughly 5445 calories, with 58g protein, 584g carbohydrates, and 278g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (213% of the Daily Value), iron (132% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain texture. Test a small batch first to ensure the flavor and texture meet your expectations.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can cut down the sugar by one cup and replace some chocolate chips with extra oats or nuts. This will maintain the cookie's structure while balancing the sweetness without compromising flavor too much.
What can I substitute for shortening in this recipe?
You can use unsalted butter as a substitute for shortening. For a healthier option, try coconut oil or apple sauce, though these may alter the texture slightly. If using butter, keep in mind that it will add a richer flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).