Sheet Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Cuisine: American

Sweet sheet cookies loaded with raisins and warm spices, featuring a fragrant lemon flavor, perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting treat with tea or coffee.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups raisins
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Pour the batter into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
  4. While still hot, glaze with powdered sugar and milk icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you want to reduce the sugar, you can replace some of the raisins with chopped nuts or seeds. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile. If you're out of lemon extract, vanilla extract can serve as a good substitute, though it will slightly alter the taste.

Serving Suggestions

These sheet cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to dessert trays for gatherings, complementing other treats like Big Mama'S Tea Cakes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover sheet cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sheet Cookies contains roughly 579 calories, with 7g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2690mg per serving (117% of the Daily Value).

579 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.5g 13% DV
Total Fat 39.3g 50% DV
Carbs 50.9g 19% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2690mg 100% DV
Potassium 88.3mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 3.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.9mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 284.5mg 22% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, it will change the texture and flavor slightly, making the cookies denser and nuttier. You might want to start with a 50/50 mix to find a balance that works for you.

Is it necessary to use boiling water in the recipe?

Using boiling water helps to dissolve the sugar and activate the baking soda, resulting in a better texture. If you're concerned about the heat, you can allow the water to cool slightly before mixing, but try to keep it hot for optimal results.

What can I do if I don't have raisins?

If you don't have raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter touch. This will give your cookies a different flavor profile while still maintaining the same texture.

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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