Mom'S Soft Raisin Cookies
Mom's Soft Raisin Cookies are tender, chewy treats packed with juicy raisins and warm spices. Perfect for tea time or a comforting snack, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and aromatic flavor, appealing to both kids and adults who enjoy classic homemade baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool without draining.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening.
- Gradually add sugar, eggs, and vanilla, and beat well.
- Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg).
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture and blend thoroughly.
- Stir in chopped nuts and the cooked raisins with water.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, reduce the baking time slightly. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with butter for a richer flavor. Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the warmth of the spices. For a twist, consider mixing in some chocolate chips or using dried cranberries instead of raisins. Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar slightly if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a delightful dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a lovely addition to a cookie platter with other favorites like Sour Cream Biscuits, creating a diverse dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Soft Raisin Cookies contains roughly 405 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% 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 other types of dried fruit instead of raisins?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the fruit is chopped into smaller pieces if it's larger, similar to the size of raisins, to maintain even distribution in the dough.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it firmer and easier to drop onto the baking sheet. If necessary, you can also incorporate a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it's manageable.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly. Adding oats can also boost fiber content. For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use coconut oil instead of shortening.
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).