# Old-Fashioned Raisin Shortbread Cookies - Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/ - Published: 2026-08-03T11:38:49-05:00 - Author: Bert Swope Old-fashioned raisin shortbread is a timeless classic that marries the buttery, crumbly texture of shortbread with the sweet, chewy appeal of raisins. This treat is perfect for tea-time indulgence or as a delightful homemade gift. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe allows bakers of all skill levels to create a rich, satisfying cookie with a nostalgic touch. --- ### Equipment To make raisin shortbread, you’ll need the following: * Large mixing bowl * Electric hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment * Measuring cups and spoons (or a kitchen scale for metric accuracy) * Rolling pin * Baking sheet(s) * Parchment paper * Sharp knife or cookie cutters * Cooling rack * Small saucepan (optional, for softening raisins) --- ### Recipe Overview * **Prep Time:** 20 minutes * **Chill Time:** 30 minutes * **Bake Time:** 15-18 minutes * **Total Time:** 1 hour 10 minutes * **Yield:** About 24 cookies --- ### Ingredients | Ingredient | Quantity (US) | Quantity (Metric) | | Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup | 227 g | | Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup | 100 g | | All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups | 280 g | | Cornstarch | 1/4 cup | 30 g | | Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 5 ml | | Salt | 1/4 tsp | 1 g | | Raisins | 1/2 cup | 75 g | | Milk or water (optional) | 2 tbsp | 30 ml | --- ### Preparation Instructions #### 1. **Prepare the Raisins** * If your raisins are particularly dry, plump them up by soaking them in warm water or milk for 10 minutes. Drain and pat them dry with a paper towel. #### 2. **Make the Dough** * In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. * Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. * In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. * Gently fold in the raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough. #### 3. **Chill the Dough** * Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disc. Wrap the disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Chilling ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking. #### 4. **Roll and Cut** * Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. * Roll the chilled dough out to about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness on a floured surface. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into rectangles or use cookie cutters for desired shapes. #### 5. **Bake** * Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of space between each. * Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake, as shortbread should remain pale. * Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. #### 6. **Serve or Store** * Once completely cooled, enjoy your raisin shortbread immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. --- ### Nutritional Information (per cookie) | Nutrient | Amount | | Calories | 125 kcal | | Total Fat | 7 g | | Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | | Cholesterol | 20 mg | | Sodium | 25 mg | | Total Carbohydrates | 14 g | | Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | | Sugars | 6 g | | Protein | 1 g | --- ### Tips for Perfect Raisin Shortbread 1. **Butter Matters**: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. Allow it to soften at room temperature but avoid melting it. 2. **Even Rolling**: Aim for consistent dough thickness to ensure uniform baking. 3. **Flavor Variations**: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist. Alternatively, swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates. 4. **Cutting Techniques**: For a rustic look, simply shape the dough into a log before chilling and slice into rounds. --- Old-fashioned raisin shortbread is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Its buttery, crumbly base and sweet raisin accents make it an irresistible treat with a nostalgic charm. Whether paired with tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk, this recipe is sure to delight both the baker and the lucky ones who get to enjoy it. ### Share this: * [ Print ](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/#print?share=print) * [More](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/#) * [[ * [Share on Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share) * [ Email ](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Old-Fashioned%20Raisin%20Shortbread%20Cookies&body=https%3A%2F%2Flifeandwork.blog%2Fold-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies%2F&share=email) * [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) * [ Telegram ](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/?share=telegram) * [ WhatsApp ](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/?share=jetpack-whatsapp) * [ Reddit ](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/?share=reddit) * [ Threads ](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/?share=threads) * [ Mastodon ](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/?share=mastodon) * [ Nextdoor ](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/?share=nextdoor) * [Post](https://x.com/share) * [ Bluesky ](https://lifeandwork.blog/old-fashioned-raisin-shortbread-cookies/?share=bluesky) ### _Related_