Raisin cookies

Raisin Cookies: A Sweet and Aromatic Treat

If you're looking for a quick and easy recipe that brings a touch of joy in every bite, you've come to the right place! Raisin cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends, a family party, or simply a Sunday afternoon spent in the comfort of your home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 24-30 cookies

Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups of vegetable oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 3 cups of powdered sugar
- 4 cups of flour
- 1 baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 rum essence
- Zest of one lemon
- 200 g of raisins

Preparing the raisins:
1. Start by preparing the raisins. Soak them in hot water, adding a tablespoon of rum essence and a tablespoon of sugar. This step not only helps the raisins become softer but also enriches their flavor, giving them a pleasantly unique taste.

Preparing the dough:
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar until you get a creamy and light-colored mixture. This process will help incorporate air, giving the cookies a fluffy texture.
3. Gradually add the oil and continue mixing. The oil will provide natural moisture to the dough, making the cookies soft and delicious.
4. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the egg mixture, mixing gently until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
5. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This step will add an airy texture to your cookies.
6. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the flour mixture using a spatula to avoid losing volume.

Adding flavors:
7. Add the vanilla essence, lemon zest, and soaked raisins, mixing carefully to evenly distribute the ingredients. The lemon zest will provide a pleasant and fresh contrast to the sweetness of the raisins.

Baking the cookies:
8. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
9. Using a spoon, form portions of the dough and place them on the tray, leaving enough space between them to avoid sticking during baking. You can make the cookies larger or smaller according to your preference.
10. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden and are slightly firm to the touch. It is important not to leave them too long, or they will become dry.

Serving and storing:
11. Once the cookies are done, let them cool on a rack. Then, you can transfer them to a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap to keep them fresh and soft.
12. These cookies are excellent both warm and at room temperature, perfect for serving alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips and variations:
- You can add other ingredients like chopped nuts or chocolate for a more decadent version of these cookies.
- Substitute raisins with dried cranberries for a tangier taste.
- If you enjoy a more intense flavor, experiment with spices like cinnamon or ginger.

Nutritional benefits:
Raisin cookies are not only delicious but also nutritious. Raisins are rich in fiber and antioxidants, while eggs provide quality protein. Vegetable oil ensures healthy fats necessary for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container, and when you want to consume them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Raisin cookies are an excellent choice to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So gather the ingredients and enjoy a culinary experience full of flavor! Don't forget to share the recipe with your friends and enjoy every bite of these aromatic cookies!