Are you craving a sweet treat that's both comforting and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These raisin-filled cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, sweet, and subtly spicy, making them an ideal afternoon snack or delightful addition to your next gathering. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike, promising delicious results without hours spent in the kitchen. Get ready to enjoy the aroma of warm spices and the delightful chewiness of homemade cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can achieve similar results with a good amount of elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Fold in the Raisins
Gently fold in the raisins. I like to use a spatula for this to avoid breaking them up too much, preserving their texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Raisin-Filled Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. If it's too cold, the dough won't come together smoothly.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your preference. A dash of cardamom can also add a lovely warmth.
- Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
Variations:
- Chocolate Raisin Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the raisins for a delightful twist.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats for a heartier cookie.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on the brand you use.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These easy raisin-filled cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a homemade treat that's both delicious and simple to prepare. Enjoy baking and savor every bite!