Simpson Family Favorite Christmas Cookies
Sweet and spiced Christmas cookies featuring raisins and pecans, with warm cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar.
- Add the well-beaten eggs and blend well.
- Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to the mixture.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of flour, a little at a time, and mix.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour with raisins, pecan pieces, cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground allspice.
- Add all of the remaining flour to the egg mixture.
- Stir in the raisins and pecans.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto greased cookie sheets.
- Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until browned, avoiding burning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or using brown sugar for more moisture. If you're out of raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates can work well too. Ensure to not overmix the dough once flour is added to keep the cookies tender. If you prefer a spicier cookie, feel free to add an extra dash of ground cinnamon or cloves.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of spiced tea. Serve them alongside other festive treats like Light As A Cloud Dessert for a well-rounded dessert table. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins.
Storage & Reheating
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simpson Family Favorite Christmas Cookies contains roughly 2318 calories, with 15g protein, 309g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), potassium (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1677mg per serving (73% 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 make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can make these cookies vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of the eggs. This will help maintain the texture and moisture of the cookies.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you don't have raisins on hand, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a different twist. Each alternative will offer a unique flavor and texture to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
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).