Country Fair Cookies
Country Fair Cookies are delightfully chewy oatmeal raisin treats with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg onto waxed paper.
- Combine raisins and water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and cover.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Beat shortening and sugar well.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Blend the flour mixture until smooth.
- Add cooled raisins with the liquid and oats.
- Mix well. Cover the bowl.
- Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Drop cookies from rounded teaspoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until evenly browned.
- Cool cookies on a wire rack.
- Store in a tightly covered container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. You can also substitute the vegetable shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a twist, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough. To enhance the spice, increase the cinnamon or add a dash of allspice.
Serving Suggestions
These Country Fair Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a fun treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a fantastic addition to a picnic or potluck, alongside dishes like Cheddar Filled Beef Roll.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled 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 them to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Fair Cookies contains roughly 1919 calories, with 27g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2082mg per serving (91% 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 use different types of dried fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the seedless raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped apricots, or even dried cherries. Just make sure to maintain the same volume, so the texture of the cookies remains consistent.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If you find the dough to be too sticky, you can chill it for a bit longer, which will help firm it up. Alternatively, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a manageable consistency for dropping onto the cookie sheet.
Can I omit the eggs in the recipe?
Yes, you can make these cookies vegan by substituting the two eggs with a flaxseed meal. Mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and then add it to your mixture. This will help bind the ingredients together.
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).