Mom'S Raisin Cookies
Mom's Raisin Cookies are chewy, flavorful treats packed with sweet raisins, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for snack time or dessert, these cookies offer a comforting, nostalgic taste that appeals to all ages and pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Cook for 3 minutes; remove from the heat and let cool (do not drain).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the cooled raisins and chopped walnuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using applesauce in place of half the shortening. You can also substitute half the raisins with chopped dates or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Ensure the raisins are plump by soaking them in warm water before adding them to the mixture. For a nut-free option, omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cookies with a glass of cold milk or warm tea for a comforting snack. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a slice of Creamy Lemon Meringue Pie for a delightful mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, giving them that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Raisin Cookies contains roughly 425 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of dried fruit instead of raisins?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped apricots, or dried cherries. Just ensure that the texture and sweetness levels are similar to maintain the balance of the recipe.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to scoop and shape. You can also add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Use a plant-based shortening or coconut oil in place of traditional shortening, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
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).