Chocolate cookies / with raisins

Chocolate and Raisin Cookies: A Classic and Delicious Recipe

Who doesn't love a fresh cookie, crispy on the edges and soft on the inside, filled with chocolate and a sweet hint of raisins? These chocolate and raisin cookies are the perfect recipe to bring a smile to anyone's face. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or gift them as a sweet treat, they are ideal for any occasion. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Necessary ingredients:
- 3 cups of sugar
- 3 cups of oil
- 3 eggs
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- 5 cups of flour
- 100 g of raisins
- 100 g of milk chocolate
- 1 tablespoon of butter for melting the chocolate

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the 3 cups of sugar and the 3 cups of oil. Using a mixer, mix the ingredients until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture becomes homogeneous. It is important to use an electric mixer to achieve a fine texture.

2. Adding the eggs:
Crack the 3 eggs into the sugar and oil mixture, adding them one by one. Mix well until the sugar is no longer felt at all. This step is crucial for obtaining a uniform and well-bound dough.

3. Including the flour:
Now, gradually add the 5 cups of flour. It is essential to incorporate the flour little by little to avoid lumps. If the eggs are larger, you may need to add a little more flour. The dough should be slightly sticky but should come off easily from the spoon.

4. Separating the dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. In one half, add the raisins and rum essence, mixing well to distribute them evenly. Leave the second half of the dough plain, without additives.

5. Shaping the cookies:
Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using a teaspoon, place dough in small mounds, leaving enough space between cookies as they will spread during baking. If you want a more elegant presentation, you can shape the dough into small balls.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to medium heat (about 180°C). Place the tray in the oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. It is important to monitor the oven, as each oven bakes differently.

7. Decorating:
Once the cookies have cooled slightly, melt the milk chocolate along with the butter in a bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Use a teaspoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the plain cookies. This detail will add a decadent and delicious touch.

8. Serving:
Allow the chocolate to set slightly before serving. These cookies are perfect to be enjoyed with a fragrant tea or a warm coffee. You can also beautifully package them and give them as holiday gifts.

Useful tips:
- Use high-quality raisins for a more intense flavor.
- You can also add chopped nuts or coconut flakes to the raisin dough for an even more interesting texture.
- If you want to make the cookies healthier, try replacing some of the oil with applesauce to reduce the fat content.

Nutritional information:
Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories, making it a delicious snack but in moderation. Raisins provide a source of fiber, while milk chocolate offers antioxidants. Additionally, the oil used can provide essential fatty acids.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace sugar with a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, noting that the texture of the dough may change.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and delicious.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

Enjoy these chocolate and raisin cookies, perfect for savoring with loved ones! This simple and quick recipe will bring a touch of warmth and joy to every day, and will surely become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine! Enjoy!