Chewy Raisin Cookies (No Oatmeal!)

Chewy Raisin Cookies are soft and delicious biscuits, ready in no time: in just 10 minutes, you can make a fragrant shortcrust pastry and add dried raisins, previously soaked in water and lemon juice. All you have to do is shape the biscuits and bake them until lightly golden.

Fragrant and easy to prepare, they can be made with the help of even the littlest ones. Enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack, accompanied by a cup of tea or milk, or at the end of a meal with a nice espresso.

What Are Raisin Cookies With No Oatmeal?

Raisin cookies, particularly those without oatmeal, have a long-standing history rooted in European baking traditions, especially in the United Kingdom and Italy. These cookies are typically made with simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and raisins, with the addition of lemon zest for a refreshing flavor. Their evolution in the United States occurred in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as waves of European immigrants brought their culinary traditions, including these classic treats.

In America, these cookies were often adapted to regional tastes, and the raisins became a hallmark of classic American "drop cookies." Raisin cookies became popular in households across the country, particularly during the holiday season or as an everyday treat, often served with tea or coffee. Their popularity has endured, with slight variations across regions, such as the occasional use of cinnamon or other dried fruits, keeping them a beloved part of American cookie culture.

Pro Tips for The Best Raisin Cookies (Without Oatmeal)

• Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create a smooth, creamy dough, which contributes to a chewy texture.
• Adjust the sugar to your taste. A combination of white sugar and brown sugar can give your cookies a nice balance of sweetness and moisture, while the molasses in brown sugar adds depth of flavor.
• When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. The dough should remain soft and slightly sticky.
• Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps to prevent spreading while baking, ensuring thicker, chewier cookies. This also allows the flavors to meld.
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure they bake evenly.
• Remove the cookies when they are just golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool, creating the perfect chewy texture.

Should I Soak The Raisins Before Baking The Cookies?

Yes, soaking the raisins before baking can help prevent them from drying out during the baking process. This step ensures the raisins stay plump and juicy, adding extra moisture and flavor to your cookies.

What Makes These Cookies Chewy?

The chewy texture of raisin cookies comes from a combination of factors, including the use of sugar, which adds moisture, and the proper balance of butter and flour. Additionally, chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, resulting in thicker, softer cookies. Finally, not overbaking them ensures they stay soft and chewy in the center.

What Else Can I Add to These Cookies?

You can enrich the dough with pine nuts, hazelnuts, or chopped almonds to give your biscuits a crunchy touch; if you don't like raisins, you can replace them with dried blueberries or chocolate chips. You can also flavor the biscuits with a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or vanilla for a more fragrant touch, and, instead of lemon, use the juice and grated zest of an orange. The important thing is that it's organic and not chemically treated.

What Size Should the Cookies Be, Before Baking?

Before baking, the cookies should be about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size allows them to bake evenly, with a soft center and slightly crisp edges. You can use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough, making sure the cookies are uniform in size for consistent baking.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make raisin cookies ahead of time! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. This helps the flavors develop and can make the cookies even more flavorful.

Do They Freeze Well?

Yes, raisin cookies freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll be just as delicious as when they were freshly baked. You can also freeze the dough before baking.

How to Store Any Leftovers

To store leftover raisin cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 4–5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them, but this may slightly affect their texture.

How to Make Chewy Raisin Cookies (No Oatmeal!)

Place the raisins in a small bowl with water and lemon juice. Leave it to soak for about ten minutes.

Collect the flour, baking powder, grated lemon zest, butter and egg in a bowl.

Start mixing the ingredients together with a spoon.

Continue kneading with your hands until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous dough.

Squeeze the raisins well and add them to the shortcrust pastry dough.

Work the dough so that the raisins are distributed evenly.

Using the dough, create balls of about 20g each, using moistened hands.

Transfer the dough balls onto a baking tray lined with baking paper, placing them well spaced apart.

Bake in the oven at 350°F/180°C for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Once the cooking time is up, take them out of the oven and let them cool.

Enjoy!