Walnut Spice Cookies
Walnut spice cookies feature a moist raisin filling and warm spices, offering a rich, chewy treat perfect for fall gatherings or as a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins and water; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid.
- Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and reserved liquid, then vanilla, and beat well.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg; add to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in raisins and chopped walnuts.
- Drop from teaspoon about 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Frost cookies while warm if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, consider reducing the flour by half a cup or adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough. If you don't have shortening, butter or coconut oil can be substituted, but the texture may vary slightly. Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the spice flavor even more. For an extra crunch, try using pecans instead of walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
These Walnut Spice Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a fruit platter or the Apple-Cranberry Bake for a cozy dessert spread. They make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Spice Cookies contains roughly 2690 calories, with 22g protein, 261g carbohydrates, and 164g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2100mg per serving (91% 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 nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just chop them to a similar size to maintain the cookie's texture. Each nut will impart its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, you can substitute half of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour will add fiber and nutrients. Reducing the amount of shortening or using a healthier fat can also help.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! To make these cookies vegan, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute instead of shortening. Ensure that the vanilla extract is alcohol-free for a fully vegan-friendly option.
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).