Raisin Bar Cookies
Raisin Bar Cookies offer a delightful combination of sweet raisins, warm cinnamon, and crunchy nuts in a chewy, flavorful treat perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook raisins in enough water to have 1 cup of juice.
- Simmer for at least 10 minutes.
- Cool the raisin mixture.
- Stir together brown sugar, margarine, egg, and vanilla.
- Beat the mixture well.
- Stir together the dry ingredients: flour, soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add raisin juice to the sugar mixture and mix well.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix.
- Add the cooked raisins and chopped nuts to the batter.
- Spread the batter in a 9 x 12-inch pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Frost with powdered sugar icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, soak the raisins longer in the water. You can substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for an interesting flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
These raisin bar cookies can be served as a delightful snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of Sue's Ice Cream for a delicious treat. Consider dusting the frosted bars with additional cinnamon for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Bar Cookies contains roughly 410 calories, with 4g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 704mg per serving (31% 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 dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried apricots. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the sweetness and texture slightly, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
What if I don't have margarine?
You can easily substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, vegan butter works well too, ensuring the recipe remains suitable for various dietary preferences.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture. The flavor will remain delightful while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities.
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).