Chocolate Raisin Chewies
Soft, moist chocolate raisin cookies with a rich cocoa flavor and chewy texture, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup all-vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups raisins or combination of raisins and chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine shortening, brown sugar, water, and vanilla in a large bowl.
- Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended.
- Beat in eggs.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture at low speed until just blended.
- Stir in raisins.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until cookies are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes.
- Remove cookies and cool on a kitchen rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened. If you prefer a nutty texture, substitute half of the raisins with chopped walnuts. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier blending. Remember not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients; this will keep your cookies chewy and tender.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy cookies are perfect on their own but also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a delightful dessert spread, consider serving them alongside slices of Pearadice Bread or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a great addition to any cookie platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chocolate Raisin Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Raisin Chewies contains roughly 136 calories, with 1g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 use a different type of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar, but the cookies will be less chewy and have a lighter flavor. You can also try using coconut sugar for a caramel-like taste, but keep in mind that the texture may slightly differ.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you want a vegan option, coconut oil works well too, but keep in mind it might affect the cookie texture slightly.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them. A slight sheen on the top is also a good indicator.
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).