English Drop Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 36 Cuisine: British

English Drop Cookies are chewy, spiced treats with raisins, perfect for tea time or casual gatherings, offering warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup cold coffee
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon allspice

Instructions

  1. Mix brown sugar, cold coffee, shortening, raisins, and enough water to cook the mixture for 5 minutes.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients: 3 1/2 to 4 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and eggs.
  3. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer cookie, consider reducing the flour to 3 1/2 cups. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture. If you're not a fan of raisins, try using chocolate chips or chopped nuts instead. These cookies can also be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these English Drop Cookies warm with a glass of cold coffee or a cup of tea for a delightful snack. They pair beautifully with a White Cheese Ball for a more substantial treat or can be enjoyed alongside a fresh fruit salad. For a unique twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresher longer, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of English Drop Cookies contains roughly 116 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.

116 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 7g 9% DV
Carbs 13.5g 5% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 10g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 138mg 6% DV
Potassium 47.4mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 4.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 56.2mg 4% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, you can substitute instant coffee for brewed coffee. Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee in a cup of hot water to mimic the flavor of brewed coffee. This will still provide the richness needed for the cookies.

What can I use instead of raisins?

If you prefer not to use raisins, you can substitute with chocolate chips, chopped dried apricots, or nuts like walnuts or pecans. Each of these options will bring a different flavor and texture to your cookies.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! After baking, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat as mentioned in the storage section.

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).

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