Best Amish Raisin Cookies Recipes

Amish Raisin Cookies are traditional, soft and chewy cookies that originated from Pennsylvania Dutch Country. These cookies are made using simple, wholesome ingredients that are common in Amish households. What sets them apart is the generous use of raisins, which adds a delightful fruity and sweet taste to the cookies.

Ingredients Used in Amish Raisin Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the main ingredient used in most cookie recipes, and Amish Raisin Cookies are no exception. It is used to provide structure and texture to the cookies.
• Butter: Amish Raisin Cookies are made with butter, which provides richness and flavor to the cookies. It is often used to create a soft and tender crumb in the cookies.
• Sugar: Sugar is an essential ingredient in any cookie recipe. It provides sweetness and also helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
• Eggs: Eggs provide moisture, help to bind the ingredients together, and add richness to the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent used in cookie recipes to make them rise while baking. When combined with an acidic ingredient like buttermilk or yogurt, it creates air bubbles that help the cookies rise.
• Baking Soda: Baking Soda is another leavening agent used in Amish Raisin Cookies. It reacts with the acidic ingredients to create carbon dioxide, which helps the cookies to rise.
• Raisins: Raisins are the standout ingredient in Amish Raisin cookies. They provide a sweet and fruity flavor, as well as chewiness to the cookies.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm spice that pairs well with raisins. It provides a subtle spice flavor and aroma to the cookies.
• Salt: Salt is used to enhance the flavor of the cookies and balance out the sweetness.

Preparation Method

The preparation method for Amish Raisin Cookies is relatively simple and straightforward.

1. Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Add the raisins and cinnamon to the dough, and mix until evenly distributed.
6. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until they are lightly golden brown and set on the edges.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

While the traditional Amish Raisin Cookie recipe is simple, it can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Some variations include:

Adding nuts:

You can add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for added crunch and texture.

Replacing raisins with chocolate chips or dried cranberries:

If you're not a fan of raisins, you can replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chocolate chips to create a different flavor profile.

Using different spices:

Instead of or in addition to the cinnamon, you can add other spices like ginger, nutmeg, or cloves to the dough to create a warm and autumnal flavor.

Adding oatmeal or shredded coconut:

You can add oatmeal or shredded coconut to the dough for added texture and a heartier taste.

Conclusion

Amish Raisin Cookies are a classic cookie recipe that is loved for their simplicity, flavor, and chewy texture. Their origin can be traced back to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where they are commonly found in Amish households. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and raisins, and takes just a few minutes to prepare. With a little creativity, you can make your version of these cookies using different variations and enjoy them all year round.

Amish raisin cookies are a delicious treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adding in your favorite nuts or spices. If you're looking to make these cookies but aren't sure where to start, then you're in luck! We've compiled some valuable tips that will help you make the perfect batch of amish raisin cookies. Tip #1: Use Fresh Ingredients One of the most important tips when making amish raisin cookies is to use fresh ingredients. This means using fresh butter, eggs, flour, and raisins. Using fresh ingredients will not only improve the taste of your cookies but will also make them more visually appealing. Tip #2: Preheat Your Oven Before you start making your amish raisin cookies, it's important to preheat your oven. Preheating your oven helps to ensure that your cookies bake evenly and at the right temperature. This is especially important for amish raisin cookies because they have a tendency to spread out during baking. Tip #3: Know Your Measurements When making amish raisin cookies or any other baked goods, it's important to know your measurements. Using the wrong measurements can affect the taste, texture, and appearance of your cookies. So, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Tip #4: Chill Your Dough Chilling your cookie dough is an important step in making amish raisin cookies. This helps to prevent the cookies from spreading out too much during baking. Chilling can also help to improve the flavor and texture of your cookies. So, be sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Tip #5: Use Parchment Paper Using parchment paper is an essential tip when making amish raisin cookies. Parchment paper helps to prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan while baking. This makes it much easier to remove the cookies from the pan and prevents them from breaking or falling apart. Tip #6: Don't Overbake Overbaking your amish raisin cookies can lead to a dry and crumbly texture. To avoid this, be sure to keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. You want to remove them from the oven when they're just starting to turn golden brown around the edges. Tip #7: Store Your Cookies Once your amish raisin cookies are baked and cooled, it's important to store them properly. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can also freeze your cookies for up to three months. Tip #8: Experiment with Ingredients While the traditional amish raisin cookie recipe is delicious, there's no reason why you can't experiment with different ingredients. For example, you could add in some chopped nuts or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Experimenting with different ingredients can help you create a unique and delicious cookie recipe that's all your own. Tip #9: Make Them Mini If you're looking for a fun twist on the traditional amish raisin cookie recipe, try making them mini! Simply use a smaller cookie scoop or roll your dough into smaller balls. Mini amish raisin cookies are perfect for parties or as a quick snack. Tip #10: Enjoy! Last but not least, the most valuable tip when making amish raisin cookies is to enjoy them! Baking is a fun and relaxing activity that can bring joy to you and the people around you. So, take a moment to sit back and enjoy your delicious cookies. In conclusion, making amish raisin cookies is a fun and easy activity that anyone can enjoy. By following these valuable tips, you can make the perfect batch of amish raisin cookies every time. Remember to use fresh ingredients, preheat your oven, measure accurately, chill your dough, use parchment paper, don't overbake, store them properly, experiment with ingredients, make them mini, and most importantly, enjoy!