Railroad Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Railroad Cookies are hearty, raisin-studded treats with a hint of cinnamon and coconut, perfect for snacking or sharing with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. raisins
  • 1 c. water
  • 1 c. butter
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 3/4 c. coconut
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 3 3/4 c. flour
  • 1 c. chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Boil raisins in water for 5 minutes, then set aside.
  2. Mix butter, sugar, and eggs until fluffy.
  3. Combine remaining ingredients, including flour and raisins, into the butter mixture.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist on flavor, consider substituting half of the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots. If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can cut the amount by a quarter and use unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture. Make sure to let the dough chill for 30 minutes for better shaping and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Railroad Cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a complete dessert experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a slice of Dot'S Apple Cake. They also make a great addition to a picnic or as a sweet treat after a meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat by placing them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Railroad Cookies contains roughly 522 calories, with 2g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

522 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 40.7g 52% DV
Carbs 32.1g 12% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 7.8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 564.2mg 25% DV
Potassium 236.7mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 164.4mg 55% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.5mg 8% DV
Calcium 112.2mg 9% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure the nuts are chopped to a similar size to maintain consistency in the cookie dough.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Alternatively, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to handle.

Are there any vegan alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and using vegan butter. Additionally, ensure that the sugar is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.

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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