Poor Mans Cookies
These Poor Mans Cookies are a nostalgic, budget-friendly treat packed with warm spices, raisins, and walnuts. Easy to make and perfect for sharing!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups Water warm, for soaking raisins
- 1 cup Raisins
- 8 tablespoons Vegetable Shortening
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Sugar granulated or brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 0.75 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon Cloves
- 2 Eggs slightly beaten
- 1 cup Walnuts coarsely chopped
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Warm Water for icing
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, pour 2 cups of warm water over the raisins. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes until plump.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream the vegetable shortening in another bowl until smooth.
- Add the slightly beaten eggs to the creamed shortening and mix until well combined.
- Strain the soaked raisins and fold them into the wet mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the coarsely chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- While baking, whisk together powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons warm water until smooth to make the icing.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, drizzle the icing over the cookies.
Notes
- Soaking the raisins is essential for a chewy texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Apply icing only after cookies are completely cool to prevent melting.
- Try substituting walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
- Cookies can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to a week or frozen up to three months.