Raisin Spice Cookies
Sweet and fragrant raisin spice cookies feature warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, complemented by chopped walnuts. Perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put raisins and water in a saucepan.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and steam for 5 minutes.
- Drain raisins and retain 1/2 cup liquid.
- Immediately add baking soda to the liquid; it will bubble.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together shortening and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, and beat well.
- Stir in the raisin liquid and soaked raisins.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider soaking the raisins in rum or a splash of orange juice instead of water. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer taste. If you want a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. Don't forget to adjust baking time if using larger spoonfuls of dough.
Serving Suggestions
These raisin spice cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also complement nicely with the Sunday Night Supper Salad for a balanced meal. Enjoy them fresh or warm for the best taste!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Spice Cookies contains roughly 424 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% 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 dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or dates for a different flavor profile. Each dried fruit will bring its unique sweetness and texture to the cookies, making them your own special creation.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Alternatively, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle when dropping onto baking sheets.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan by replacing the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based shortening or coconut oil and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. These substitutions will still yield delicious cookies without compromising on flavor.
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).