Fall Spiced Raisin Cookies

Oh wow, I just made the yummiest cookies ever! They smell so warm and sweet. They make me think of fall leaves and happy days.

They have raisins and soft spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg make them cozy. Every bite feels like a big hug.

I want to eat them all the time. My family smiles so big when they try them. I feel so happy baking them.

Let’s make some together. Get your raisins ready. It will be so fun and yummy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger scream autumn, making these cookies ideal for the season.
• Chewy and Flavorful: The combination of raisins and walnuts (if you choose to add them) provides the perfect texture contrast to the soft and chewy cookies.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, you can have fresh, homemade cookies in no time.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies make for a perfect homemade gift—package them up in a nice tin or box for family and friends to enjoy.
• Freezer-Friendly: If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Just freeze the dough, and you’ll have fresh cookies whenever you need them.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we jump into the ingredients and instructions, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl for the dry ingredients and a separate one for the wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand): While you can mix everything by hand, a handheld mixer or stand mixer will make your job a lot easier.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, so make sure you have a good set of measuring cups and spoons.
• Baking Sheets: I recommend lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure they bake evenly.
• Cookie Scoop (Optional): If you want uniform cookies, a cookie scoop is a great tool to have.
• Wire Rack: To let your cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy, a wire rack is the best option.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering cookies (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

For the Cookie Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the cookie dough. It’s the staple ingredient that holds everything together.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two leavening agents work together to give your cookies a nice rise and fluffy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: These three spices are what give this cookie its warm fall flavor. They create that delicious scent and taste that immediately transport you to cozy fall days.
• Unsalted Butter (Softened): Butter is essential for that rich, soft texture that you expect from cookies. I always recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies a slight crisp around the edges when baked.
• Large Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and add to the chewiness of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: The deep, aromatic flavor of vanilla pairs wonderfully with the spices and raisins.
• Raisins: Raisins add natural sweetness and chewiness to the cookies. They’re a classic addition and a perfect match with the spices.
• Chopped Walnuts (Optional): If you love nuts in your cookies, I highly recommend adding walnuts. They provide a nice crunch and flavor that complements the spices. You can also swap them for pecans or omit them entirely if you prefer nut-free cookies.

How to Make Fall Spiced Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures that all the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process is important because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps give the cookies their soft texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a subtle but essential flavor to balance the spices.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed at first, gradually increasing to medium speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 5: Stir in the Raisins and Walnuts

Once the dough is formed, fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts (if you’re using them). The raisins should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, and the walnuts will give the cookies a nice texture.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional, but Recommended)

Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the fridge helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. This step is especially helpful if you’re in a warm environment or if you want to make the dough ahead of time. Chilled dough will also give the cookies a more defined texture.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the cookies don’t stick and helps them bake evenly.

Step 8: Scoop the Dough and Shape the Cookies

Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into even-sized balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. You can gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon if you prefer slightly thinner cookies.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your dough balls, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short cooling period on the baking sheet allows the cookies to firm up a bit, preventing them from breaking when you move them.

How to Serve Fall Spiced Raisin Cookies

These cookies are perfect just as they are, but there are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

• With Hot Drinks: Pair them with a cup of hot apple cider, coffee, or tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
• In Gift Boxes: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Pack them in a cute box or tin for friends and family.
• As a Dessert: Serve them as a simple dessert at your next fall gathering or holiday party.

Storing Fall Spiced Raisin Cookies

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), here’s how to store these cookies for maximum freshness:

Storage Method	Details
Room Temperature	Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Freezing	To freeze the cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying!
Cookie Dough	You can freeze the cookie dough as well. Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough balls into a freezer bag or airtight container. Bake directly from the freezer (add a minute or two to the bake time).

How to Make Fall Spiced Raisin Cookies Ahead of Time

If you’re looking to get a jump on your baking or just want to make these cookies in advance, here are a few tips:

Method	Details
Chill the Dough	Prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking. This step enhances the flavors and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Freeze the Dough	You can freeze the dough for longer storage (up to 3 months). Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer when you’re ready!
Bake and Store	Bake the cookies, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for later. Both methods work great for prepping the cookies in advance.

Recipe Modifications and Variations

While this Fall Spiced Raisin Cookie recipe is already packed with flavor, here are a few easy tweaks and variations you can try to personalize your cookies:

Modification/Variation	Details
Add Other Dried Fruit	If you’re not a fan of raisins or just want to change things up, try substituting the raisins with dried cranberries, cherries, or currants for a new twist.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips	For a touch of chocolatey goodness, add some dark or milk chocolate chips to the dough. Chocolate pairs beautifully with the fall spices.
Make it Vegan	To make these cookies vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg. You can also use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a more natural sweetener.
Spice it Up	If you love a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of black pepper to enhance the spiciness of the cookies.

Fall Spiced Raisin Cookies Nutrition

While these cookies are delicious and comforting, it’s always nice to know what you’re eating! Here’s a general idea of the nutrition breakdown per cookie (assuming 24 cookies):

Nutritional Value	Per Cookie (Approx.)
Calories	120-130 calories
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	50mg
Total Carbohydrates	18g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	10g
Protein	1g

Note that these values will vary depending on ingredients like whether or not you add nuts or substitute sugars, so adjust accordingly for your own needs!

FAQ: Fall Spiced Raisin Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. If you’re freezing the dough, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the frozen dough balls straight into the oven—add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from frozen.

2. Can I use other dried fruit instead of raisins?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of raisins or want to change things up, feel free to swap them with other dried fruits like dried cranberries, currants, or even chopped dried apricots. You could also mix several types of dried fruit for even more variety.

3. How can I store leftover cookies?

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay extra fresh, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! Freezing the dough is a great way to have fresh cookies on hand whenever you want them. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

5. How do I make these cookies softer or crunchier?

If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for a shorter amount of time (around 10 minutes). If you want them a little crunchier, leave them in the oven for an extra minute or so until the edges are slightly darker. The cooking time can really make a difference in the texture, so feel free to adjust it to your liking.

Final Thoughts

These Fall Spiced Raisin Cookies are the ultimate fall treat, capturing all the warmth and comfort of the season with just the right balance of spices. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or storing them for later, they’ll always bring a touch of autumn to your day.

I can’t wait for you to try them, and I hope they become a favorite in your household too. If you decide to make them, let me know how they turned out, and feel free to get creative with the ingredients! You can even share your variations on social media and tag me—I’d love to see how you make these cookies your own.