Old Fashioned Raisin Filled Cookies

When you’re in the mood for something sweet, homemade, and a little nostalgic, raisin-filled cookies are the perfect choice! My grandpa was a big fan of raisins (someday I’m going to have to share his raisin cake recipe) and while I don’t actually particularly care for them eaten out of hand, I love them in baked goods like these raisin cookies! This classic recipe for raisin-filled cookies, sometimes referred to as ‘Amish Cookies’, has been passed down through generations, and can be traced back to Amish and Mennonite baking traditions. These communities often celebrated their harvests and special occasions with baked goods that included ingredients readily available to them, such as raisins and nuts. The combination of juicy, plump raisins and crunchy walnuts wrapped in soft, cinnamon-spiced dough makes every bite a delightful experience. If you’re a fan of raisins in desserts, check out my recipes for Fruitcake Cookies, Copycat Levain Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cinnamon Walnut Raisin Rugelach, Sour Cream and Raisin Pie, and Traditional Irish Soda Bread!

Why We Love This Recipe

These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making them a hit among both children and adults. The recipe is straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome even for those new to baking. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or as a comforting snack on a rainy day.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Raisins – The star of the show, providing a sweet and slightly tart flavor to the filling. Granulated Sugar –White sugar sweetness to the filling, balancing the tartness of the raisins. Water – Helps dissolve the sugar and cornstarch, creating a syrupy texture. Cornstarch – Thickens the filling, giving it a nice consistency that’s easy to work with. Chopped Walnuts – Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, complementing the sweet raisins. Shortening – Gives the cookies a tender, crumbly texture. Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the dough. Eggs – Bind the dough together and help it rise slightly when baked. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough, providing structure. Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. Ground Cinnamon – Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the raisin filling. Baking Powder – Works with baking soda to ensure the cookies are properly leavened. Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the cookie dough.

How to Make Raisin Cookies

Making the Filling

Making the Dough

Assembling the Cookies

Tips for Success

For the most precise measurements, especially for flour, use a kitchen scale. This ensures your dough has the right consistency. If using measuring cups, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing too much into the measurement. Make sure the raisin filling is cooled to room temperature before spreading it onto the dough. This prevents the dough from becoming too soft to handle. If the dough becomes too soft or sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and shape. Use a lightly floured surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. This helps maintain the dough’s shape and makes transferring the cookies to the baking sheet easier. Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly. An oven thermometer can help you monitor the actual temperature. Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set without breaking, which will help you to transfer them easily.

Substitutions and Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 baking blend for the best results. Omit the walnuts in the filling for a nut-free version. You can add extra raisins or try adding chopped dried apricots or dates for a different taste and texture. Add spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or clove to the dough for a deeper flavor profile that complements the cinnamon. Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the dough or filling for a bright, citrusy note that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the raisins and sugar. For a chocolatey twist, add mini chocolate chips to the filling or sprinkle them on top of the cookies before baking. If you’re a rum & raisin fan, create a rum raisin filling by adding a little bit of rum extract to the filling when you add the nuts.

More of My Favorite Cookies Recipes

Glazed Lemon Cookies Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies Reese’s Pieces Cookies Frosted Swig Sugar Cookies Copycat Levain Bakery Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Kitchen Sink Cookies Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies