Homemade Filled Raisin Cookies – Sweet & Chewy
🍪 Filled Raisin Cookies: A Taste of Childhood Nostalgia, Warmly Reimagined

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025
There’s something truly magical about biting into a cookie that holds a sweet secret within. Our Filled Raisin Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a warm embrace, a whisper of simpler times, and a delightful journey for your taste buds. Imagine a soft, slightly chewy cookie shell, gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, giving way to a rich, warm filling of plump, sweet raisins. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors – the yielding dough, the tender, fruit-packed center, all mingling in a comforting dance. Perfect for cozy afternoon tea, a thoughtful lunchbox surprise, or a sweet ending to any family meal, these cookies are destined to become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.
Recipe Card will be inserted here
Quick Glance
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 40 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 24 cookies
- 💥 Vibe: Sweet, Chewy, Comforting
Jump Ahead
- What You’ll Need
- How to Make Filled Raisin Cookies
- Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
- Reviews
- FAQ
- Conclusion
What You’ll Need
Gather your ingredients and let the aroma of home baking begin! Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible filled raisin cookies.
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- For the Raisin Filling:
- 2 cups raisins
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but lovely!)
How to Make Filled Raisin Cookies
Creating these gems is a labor of love that fills your kitchen with the most inviting scents. Follow these steps to bake your way to pure cookie bliss.
- Prepare the Raisin Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the raisins, water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and optional cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raisins are plump and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This step is crucial for the filling to set properly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, ensuring everything is thoroughly incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. The dough will be soft.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough much easier to handle.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Gently spoon about ½ teaspoon of the cooled raisin filling onto the center of half of the cookie circles.
- Top and Seal: Place a second cookie circle on top of each filled circle. Gently press the edges together to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and extra seal. Reroll scraps and repeat until all dough and filling are used.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the assembled cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies taste even better once the flavors have had a chance to meld!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These filled raisin cookies are delightful on their own, but a little creativity can elevate them even further!
- Citrus Zest Magic: Add a teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to your cookie dough for a bright, aromatic lift that complements the raisins beautifully.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold a quarter cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into your raisin filling for an added layer of texture and a wonderfully rich, earthy flavor.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with a pinch of cardamom or allspice in your filling for an even warmer, more complex spice profile.
- Drizzle of Delight: Once cooled, lightly drizzle your cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a touch of milk or lemon juice) for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Coffee Companion: Serve these alongside a steaming mug of coffee or a cozy cup of spiced chai for the ultimate afternoon treat.
Reviews

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what our wonderful community is saying about these delightful filled raisin cookies.
- Sarah P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Oh my goodness, these cookies are pure comfort! They remind me so much of my grandmother’s baking. The filling is perfectly spiced and the cookies are so tender. A new family favorite!”
- Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I’m not usually a raisin cookie guy, but these are next level! The filling makes all the difference. They’re not too sweet, just perfect with a cup of tea. Highly recommend trying them!”
- Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So delicious and surprisingly easy to make! My kids loved helping with the filling. The lemon juice in the filling is a brilliant touch. Will definitely be making these again and again.”
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you achieve cookie perfection!
- Q: Can I make the raisin filling ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the raisin filling up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Ensure it’s completely cooled before filling the cookies.
- Q: Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?
A: Chilling the dough helps firm up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough much easier to roll out and cut, giving you perfectly shaped cookies.
- Q: Can I use different dried fruits for the filling?
A: While the recipe is specifically designed for raisins, you can certainly experiment! Chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or a mix of dried berries would also be lovely. Adjust water and sugar slightly as needed based on the fruit’s sweetness and moisture content.
- Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these filled raisin cookies will stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage!
Conclusion
There’s a unique joy that comes from baking something with love, and these Filled Raisin Cookies embody that feeling perfectly. From the moment the warm, spicy aroma fills your kitchen to that first tender bite, you’ll be transported to a place of pure comfort and happiness. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and create these delightful treats. They’re more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to make cherished memories, one delicious cookie at a time. Happy baking, friends!
Recipe Note
For the best texture and flavor, ensure your raisin filling is completely cooled before assembling the cookies. A warm filling can make the dough difficult to work with and might cause it to seep out during baking.
Filled Raisin Cookies
Cook Time: 1 hours 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 24-36 cookies
Calories: 180 calories per cookie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for filling)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for cookies)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk (if needed)
Instructions
1.Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine raisins, water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a paste-like consistency (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, if using. Let the filling cool completely to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If the dough seems too dry or crumbly, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it comes together into a cohesive dough. Do not overmix.
4. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to make it easier to handle.
5. Assemble the Cookies: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or desired size), cut out as many circles as possible. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed.
7. Place half of the dough circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled raisin filling in the center of each dough circle.
8. Top each filled dough circle with another plain dough circle. Gently press the edges together to seal the filling inside. For a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal, you can crimp the edges with a fork.
9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and cookie size.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Chef’s Notes: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling. The raisin filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling the cookies to prevent the dough from becoming soft.
