Cookies with raisins

Raisin Cookies – A Classic Delight

If you are looking for a simple yet delicious recipe that will delight your senses, raisin cookies are the perfect choice. These cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the combination of raisin flavor and sugar sweetness makes them irresistible. Whether you enjoy them alongside a cup of tea or offer them as a snack to your loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

The history of raisin cookies dates back through the mists of time, yet they are a perfect example of a dessert that has evolved over generations. Each culture has brought its own variations, but the essence remains the same: a simple, accessible, and flavorful dessert. Now let’s discover together how to prepare these wonderful cookies!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 20-24 cookies

Ingredients:
- 250 grams of margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 300 grams of flour
- 200 grams of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 200 grams of raisins
- A pinch of salt

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the margarine is at room temperature; this will help with the mixing. If you choose to use butter, it will add a more intense flavor. Raisins can also be soaked in warm water for 10 minutes to become fluffier.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the margarine and sugar. Use a wooden spoon or a hand mixer to mix well for a few minutes until you achieve a creamy consistency. This step is essential for incorporating air into the mixture, which will make the cookies fluffier.

3. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to mix well. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will help achieve a uniform texture.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the salt. This will help to homogenize the ingredients. Then, add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, gently mixing until the ingredients are well integrated. Finally, add the raisins and mix gently, being careful not to crush them.

5. Chilling the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is important to firm up the dough, which will prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.

6. Preheating the oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, prepare the baking tray; it is recommended to use an ungreased tray, as the cookies will bake perfectly without sticking.

7. Forming the cookies: After the dough has chilled, remove it and use a teaspoon to form small mounds of dough on the baking tray, leaving enough space between them, as the cookies will expand during baking.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 10-15 minutes or until they turn slightly golden at the edges. Be careful, as baking time may vary depending on your oven.

9. Cooling: Once the cookies are baked, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool on a rack for a few minutes before transferring them to a plate. These cookies are delicious both warm and cold.

Helpful tips:
- You can also add other ingredients, such as chopped nuts or chocolate, to diversify the recipe.
- If you prefer a more intense sweetness, you can add a few tablespoons of honey to the sugar mixture.
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container for a few days, but they are so delicious that they might not last long!

Nutritional benefits:
Raisin cookies are not only delicious but also healthy. Raisins are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins and contribute to maintaining digestive health. They also provide an energy boost due to their high content of natural carbohydrates.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cookies will be slightly different, denser.

2. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or opt for a natural sweetener.

3. Do I need to freeze the dough?
If you want to prepare the cookies later, you can freeze the dough. Wrap it well in cling film and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving:
These raisin cookies are excellent alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but you can also try them with a glass of fresh milk. Their sweet taste and pleasant aroma will pair perfectly with these beverages.

Whether you make them for yourself or to share with loved ones, raisin cookies are an easy-to-make and flavorful choice. So put on your apron and enjoy cooking!