Invisible, constant, and often ignored, EMF signals are invading American homes. For those who value self-reliance and off-grid living, these signals are a measurable intrusion into your environment. Dirty electricity, also known as high-frequency voltage transients riding on standard household wiring, can affect sleep and even influence long-term health. Every device contributes differently, and knowing […]
The best raisin-filled cookies aren’t about trends or extravagance; they’re about comfort, memory, and enduring flavor. With their soft texture, warmly spiced filling, and old-fashioned charm, these cookies remain a beloved favorite across generations. One bite is often all it takes to understand why they’ve stood the test of time. If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like home, raisin-filled cookies are always the right choice.
When I was growing up, my mom taught me how to make the best raisin-filled cookies in the world. Literally. She also made them with a fabulous date filling, but raisin filling is my favorite. The cookies are slightly crispy on the outside, but the inner cookie and filling are moist and chewy. Man, it makes my mouth water just talking about them. It was a holiday tradition to see flour all over my mom’s blouse. I don’t remember ever seeing her wear an apron. Well, maybe once or twice.
Apron or No Aprons?
I only wear an apron when I’m frying scones or something that will spatter grease. She would make all our favorite cookies, and of course, our family’s traditional Norwegian Lefse. Lefse is very similar to flour tortillas, but it’s made with mashed potatoes. I love, love, love Lefse. But my husband and my daughters don’t care for it. I used to put butter and brown sugar on mine and then roll them up right off the griddle. Many of my ancestors are from Norway; perhaps that’s why I grew to love it so much.
Usually, I put things away as I bake, but with this recipe, you need to keep your bucket of flour close by because the dough is a little sticky. I called my sister to find the recipe for these because I had seen three different handwritten and typed recipes from my mom and grandmother. Hint: get all your mom’s favorite recipes from her BEFORE she passes away.
My mom made the best cheesecake I’ve ever tasted. She even sold them to neighbors because they were so good. Well, we have some recipes that have many different ingredients, temperatures, or whatever for the same desired product. So, the question is which recipe is correct…. This is the best raisin-filled cookie recipe, but I had to adjust some things and make it my own.
Cookie Ingredients Explained
Each ingredient in these classic raisin-filled cookies plays an essential role in creating their soft texture, rich flavor, and old-fashioned charm.
Sugar
Sugar provides sweetness, of course, but it also helps create a tender cookie with lightly crisp edges. It contributes to browning during baking and balances the warm spices found in the raisin filling.
Butter (Softened)
Softened butter is the foundation of flavor in these cookies. It adds richness, moisture, and that unmistakable homemade taste. Properly softened butter creams smoothly with sugar, helping create a soft, cake-like texture rather than a dense or greasy cookie.
Egg
The egg acts as a binder, holding the dough together while adding structure and moisture. It also helps give the cookies a slightly fluffy interior, ensuring they stay soft rather than crumbly.
Milk
Milk adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, making it easier to roll and shape. It also softens the flour proteins, which helps prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
Vanilla
Vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the cookie. While subtle, it adds warmth and depth that complements both the buttery dough and the sweet raisin filling.
Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is a key ingredient in many vintage cookie recipes. It gives these cookies a slight tang and helps create a soft, tender crumb. When paired with baking soda, it also aids in leavening.
Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery and vanilla flavors. Even a small amount makes a noticeable difference in the cookie’s overall taste.
Baking Soda
Baking soda reacts with the cream of tartar to help the cookies rise. This reaction creates a lighter texture and prevents the cookies from becoming flat or dense.
Flour
Flour provides structure and stability. Using the right amount ensures the cookies are sturdy enough to hold the raisin filling while remaining soft and tender. Too little flour can cause spreading, while too much can make the cookies dry.
Raisin Filling Ingredients Explained
The raisin filling is the heart of these cookies, offering a rich, jam-like center that sets them apart from ordinary cookies.
Raisins
Raisins provide natural sweetness and a deep, caramelized fruit flavor. When cooked, they soften and release their sugars, creating a thick, flavorful filling with a classic old-fashioned taste.
Water
Water helps soften the raisins and cook them down into a smooth, spreadable filling. It ensures the mixture doesn’t burn and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
Sugar
Additional sugar enhances the raisins’ natural sweetness and helps create a syrupy texture. As it cooks, it thickens the filling and gives it that rich, glossy appearance.
Flour
Flour acts as a thickening agent, helping the raisin mixture set as it cools. This keeps the filling from leaking out during baking and gives it a smooth, cohesive texture.
Step One: Gather Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F(176°C). Gather your ingredients so you are ready to prepare the cookies to be baked.
Step Two: Cream Ingredients Without The Flour
Cream the butter, milk, egg, sugar, and spices.
Step Three: Add Flour
Add the flour to the liquid mixture.
Step Four: Mix the Dough
Mix the dough until completely smooth.
Step Five: Make The Raisin Filling
The raisin or date filling is straightforward to make, dump, and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer. Stir constantly.
Step Six: Cook Down The Mixture
Cook down the mixture, stirring constantly. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight; it thickens even more.
Step Seven: Flour The Countertop
First, you’ll flour the countertop or pastry cloth.
Step Eight: Cut Out The Cookies
Then roll out the dough about 1/8 inch thick. Cut with a circular cookie cutter.
Step Nine: Place The First Layer of Cookie
You’ll carefully lift the cookies with a spatula and put them on a silicone mat or a greased cookie sheet.
Step Ten: Scoop The Filling
Place a heaping tablespoon of filling on the bottom cookie.
Step Eleven: Cover with Another Cookie and Pinch The Edges
Place another circular cookie on top and pinch the edges with a fork or, in my case, my thumbs.
Step Twelve: Ready To Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F(176°C), and depending on how thick you roll out your cookie dough, bake for 15-20 minutes. They’ll be very light brown. You can bake them longer if you like your cookies crispier. I also sometimes sprinkle a little sugar on top of the cookies before baking them. Let them cool and enjoy them. They freeze very well.
Combine all of the ingredients except the flour. Cream until smooth, and slowly add the flour one cup at a time.
Flour the countertop and roll out the sticky dough with a floured rolling pin to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
Use a cookie cutter to cut out the size of the cookie you desire.
Raisin Filling Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and stir constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer until thickened.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Scoop one heaping tablespoon of the filling into the middle of one rolled-out cookie circle, then place another cookie on top.
Pinch the edges together with your fingers or a fork.
Bake for 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cookie dough.
Please feel free to bake longer if you like a crisp cookie. This recipe makes 12-24 cookies, depending on the size of the cutter you use and how thick you cut them.
Drinks to Serve with Raisin-Filled Cookies
Coffee or Espresso
The slightly bitter notes of coffee beautifully balance the sweetness of the raisin filling.
Hot Tea
Black tea, chai, or spiced teas enhance the warm flavors in the cookies without overpowering them.
Cold Milk
A timeless pairing that softens each bite and highlights the cookie’s tender texture.
Hot Chocolate
Perfect for colder months, adding an extra layer of comfort and richness.
Apple Cider
Warm or chilled cider pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of raisins and spices.
Dessert Pairings
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve the cookies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting, classic dessert.
Whipped Cream or Sweetened Cream Cheese Dip
Light and creamy options that contrast nicely with the dense raisin filling.
Custard or Bread Pudding
A nostalgic dessert spread works beautifully with raisin-filled cookies on the side.
Snack & Spread Ideas
Fresh Fruit
Apples, pears, or grapes keep the plate light while complementing the cookie’s flavors.
Cheese Board Additions
Mild cheeses like cheddar, Colby, or cream cheese balance sweetness with savory notes.
Nut Mix or Candied Pecans
Adds crunch and pairs well with the warm, caramel-like raisin filling.
When to Serve Them
Afternoon coffee breaks
Holiday cookie trays
After-school snacks
Church gatherings and potlucks
Gift tins and care packages
Raisin-filled cookies are at their best when served, surrounded by warm drinks, familiar flavors, and good company. Soft Sugar Cookies
A Cookie Rooted in Tradition
Raisin-filled cookies trace their roots back to frugal, practical home kitchens where nothing went to waste. Dried fruit like raisins was affordable, shelf-stable, and naturally sweet, making it a perfect ingredient for desserts during times when sugar and fresh fruit were scarce. Many families passed these cookies down through handwritten recipe cards, often associated with grandparents, church socials, and holiday tins.
These cookies became especially popular in the early to mid-20th century, when home baking was a daily ritual and simple ingredients were transformed into memorable treats. Today, raisin-filled cookies continue to evoke that same sense of warmth and tradition.
What Makes Raisin-Filled Cookies So Special
Unlike ordinary drop cookies, raisin-filled cookies offer layers of texture and flavor. The outer cookie is typically soft and cake-like, gently spiced and mildly sweet. Inside, the raisin filling provides a deep, caramelized fruit flavor with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. The contrast between the tender cookie and the smooth, rich filling is what makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
They are sweet without being overpowering, making them perfect for those who appreciate classic desserts over overly sugary treats.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The best raisin-filled cookies balance sweetness, spice, and softness. Warm spices complement the natural sweetness of raisins, while the filling remains thick and spreadable rather than sticky or runny. When baked correctly, the cookies stay moist for days, often tasting even better after they’ve had time to rest.
These cookies are hearty enough to feel satisfying, yet delicate enough to pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Raisin-filled cookies shine during the fall and winter months, but they’re welcome year-round. They make excellent additions to:
Holiday cookie trays and gift boxes
Afternoon coffee or tea breaks
After-school snacks
Church suppers and potlucks
Care packages and homemade gifts
Because they store well and travel easily, they’re an excellent choice for baking ahead or sharing with loved ones.
In recent years, there’s been a renewed appreciation for vintage and old-fashioned desserts. Home bakers are rediscovering classic cookies that emphasize flavor and simplicity over decoration. Raisin-filled cookies fit perfectly into this movement, offering comfort, history, and timeless appeal in every bite.
Final Word
Whether you grew up enjoying these cookies or are discovering them for the first time, they represent everything excellent about traditional baking: simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and the joy of sharing something homemade.
When you were growing up, did your mom or grandmother make a cookie like this? I love to hear from you. Thanks for being prepared for the unexpected. May God bless this world, Linda
Self-sufficiency is a noble and empowering goal. The idea that you can live independently and free from all the costs and limitations of the outside world is both attractive and encouraging. But it comes with a price.
Self-sufficiency is a significant responsibility. It essentially means you’re on your own to provide for everything you need to live safely and comfortably. How self-sufficient you become can vary, but total self-sufficiency takes planning and a careful analysis of everything you'll have to do along with how to do it.
Throughout this article, we’re going to share links to more detailed information and checklists for items to stockpile or assemble. Self-sufficiency isn't easy, but once you understand some of the basic concepts, it gets easier.
Here are the basics:
Power Generation
Most people who live self-sufficiently are off the grid. They usually use solar power to generate electricity, but some also use wind power and even small-scale hydroelectric power. They also set up systems to store the power they generate, whether through lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries, or solar power banks.
Getting off the grid is a giant step towards self-sufficiency, but you have to do your homework to assess how much power you need, how you’ll store it, and how to use it efficiently.
Without power you are going to need alternative solutions for water collection and storage. A had pump drilled into the ground is a simple solution. So are rainwater collection systems, RAM pumps on a creek or river, and even snow and ice in winter.
When there’s no power to deliver water, you have to find ways to find, harvest, purify, and store your own. Combining solutions can help, but here again, you’re on your own.
Just as important is proper filtration and purification. It’s not just about collecting water but properly treating it so it’s safe to drink. Boiling for at least 3 minutes is fairly foolproof, but water treatment tablets for immediate purification and long-term storage are just as important.
Gardening is an obvious solution, and anyone pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle is an avid gardener. In fact, a truly self-sufficient lifestyle results in gardens stretching across a property, from vertical gardens to barrel gardens to potato towers.
If there’s a bare plot of land, there’s something growing there that you can either eat or use for medicinal purposes.
Animal husbandry is another hallmark of a self-sufficient lifestyle. Chickens are a good place to start (especially when you consider the price of eggs these days.) But rabbits, ducks, turkeys, and even pigs and goats can join the homestead to bring protein to the plate.
Goats are popular with many homesteaders as a source of goat milk and ultimately goat cheese. Sheep are a possibility as a food source and source of wool, and if you have the space and the inclination, you can step up to cattle or dairy cows.
Once again, this depends a lot on your location, but even suburban yards can be a source for wild foraging. Dandelions, plantains and even clover have micronutrients on par with spinach and kale, and any fruit trees you plant will always give you a late summer and early fall harvest.
If there are local lakes and rivers, you can always go fishing. And if you're in a forested area, hunting is always a possibility. Even that rabbit that raids your vegetable garden is fair game.
The ability to properly and safely preserve the foods you grow or raise is another critical skillset for self-sufficiency. It starts with basic canning to drying and dehydrating, smoking, and fermenting.
The ability to stockpile and safely store the food you grow and raise is a crucial step toward the self-sufficient lifestyle.
Most of us live in an area subject to winter temperatures. Wood fired heat from a stove is the obvious self-sufficient solution, but it assumes you have access to a reliable and steady supply of firewood.
If you don’t, a pellet stove is an alternative, but you’ll need to buy pellets to keep it going. On average a ton of pellets totaling 50 forty-pound bugs runs about $250 or more depending on your location. A bag usually lasts two days in cold weather.
Propane is another option but once again you’re buying the propane. Wood heat from firewood you chop and split is the pure self-sufficient solution but not all of us are lucky enough to live in or around a deep forest.
We take it for granted but without electricity, refrigeration is a challenge. Refrigerator/freezers are power hogs and while propane refrigerators offer a solution it also puts us back to a dependence on a supply of propane.
Root cellars are the traditional solution and can keep many fruits, vegetables and canned goods safely cool. It’s not so good for meat and seafood and they should either be canned, dried or smoked.
Winter months offer some free opportunities for refrigeration and freezing and many self-sufficient homesteads have a “cold room: where a window is always open to keep the temperatures cool. It’s a balancing act but it’s self-sufficient.
Air-conditioning is the biggest power hog off-grid. Fans are the simplest solutions especially if they are solar powered. There are also clever ventilation solutions inviting cool air in and venting hot air out. How far you go with any cooling solutions depends a lot on your location and the local temperatures in summer.
Lighting is another self-sufficient solution. Our pioneer ancestors used candles and lanterns but today we have solar lights and LED bulbs that make lighting solutions a lot easier.
Nothing gets done without tools and a battery-operated tool that can be recharged with a solar panel is a great idea. Then again, traditional hand tools are always a steady option and anyone pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle should have traditional hand tools in their workshop.
This would include axes, saws, carpentry tools, plumbing tools, and all of the conventional wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers and assorted hammers and sledges. And don’t forget to collect and stockpile hardware wherever you find it.
This is where things get serious. Many people pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle live remotely. That can mean that conventional medical services are at a distance or even unavailable. What’s critical is to anticipate possibilities.
A good first step is an expedition level first aid kit. It has just about everything you need to manage a medical emergency including a range of diagnostic equipment.
Another consideration is related to medicines. A large and full stock of over-the -counter medicines makes a lot of sense. You never know what’s going to show up so anticipate.
Prescription medications are another story. There are Canadian pharmacies where you can buy prescription meds in bulk, or you can ask your doctor for a script for a 90-day supply. Most medical plans will cover a 90-day prescription refill.
There’s also an extreme option using veterinary meds as a substitute for traditional prescription medications.
Here’s a link with more information but this is a desperate and potentially dangerous option.
When there is no pharmacy, you have to improvise. That’s what self-sufficiency is all about and for centuries people have used natural cures to treat a variety of conditions.
It also makes sense to plant a medicinal herb garden and not only understand which herbs to use, but how to prepare them. Most have the same benefits of over-the-counter medications and some even provide the relief of pharmaceuticals.
It’s hard for most of us to imagine life without our car or truck. But the Amish have found solutions and it’s not just about horses and buggies. Bicycles are a common form of transportation for many Amish families including bikes with a carriage attached to the back to transport both goods and people. Some of these setups are bicycles built for two to add horsepower or “leg-power” for transport.
This gets back to a fundamental definition of self-sufficiency. It’s the ability to compensate for things using yourself as the source of inspiration, action and power.
Everything breaks. Eventually. What’s important is to stockpile and assemble the things you need to just basically fix it. This goes beyond tools to salvaging and stockpiling hardware, assembling and saving materials like scrap wood and roofing shingles. It’s not about hoarding but it comes close. If it has value and you might need it someday -find a place to keep it and store it.
This applies to any vehicles as well. Change your own oil, fix your own tires, know how to maintain a car battery, assemble the basics to keep your vehicles running even if it’s that bicycle built for two.
This is a complex challenge, It’s not just about bathing, but human waste management, laundry, and general cleaning. And if there’s no garbage service you need to figure out how to deal with anything you have to throw away. Here are the sanitation subsets:
Bathing
All you really need is a bucket of water, some soap and a towel to take care of some general bathing needs, but there are solar shower setups that can let you take a warm shower outdoors and there’s always that big washtub as an option.
Many wood-stoves have a reservoir attached to the side that can hold and heat up to 30 gallons of water to not only help with bathing but laundry as well.
Many people who live off-the-grid have both an outhouse outdoors and a composting toilet indoors. The composting toilet is nice to have in winter. If you’ve ever sat in an outhouse in January, you know why an indoor toilet option is a good idea.
There are a variety of ways to do laundry, and most involve nothing more than a wash tub and a washboard. You also need soap and maybe a second tub or 5-gallon bucket for rinsing.
Drying is done on clothes lines but once again, winter presents some challenges. You can make an indoor drying rack that will not only give you a place to dry your clothes. But add humidity to the very dry wood-fired heat.
A self-sufficient lifestyle is both active and a bit dirty. Eventually you have to wash the floors, do the dishes, and just wipe down counters and cabinets. A bucket and mop is a good place to start but remember that vinegar is a great, natural disinfectant on floors and countertops. A dish rack to allow dishes to dry also makes sense.
You have a few options to consider with garbage. You can burn it, bury it, recycle it or compost it. How you manage garbage depends a lot on where you live, but if you don’t have garbage service you need to improvise.
Recycling aluminum, plastic and other metals is a good idea. If there’s a local store or location that pays you for recycled metals you’re in luck. Worst case scenario is to bury it but few people like the idea. It all depends on your situation and location.
If you have a way to generate power and a satellite Internet connection, you’re in luck. That not only lets you use a laptop to communicate via email and social media, but gives you access to a wealth of information about anything.
A cell-phone of wireless mobile device also makes sense. Whether it’s just keeping in touch with family and friends or having the option to contact emergency services – a cell phone makes sense.
HAM radio is also highly recommended and has historically been the self-sufficient survival communication platform of choice. You need to take some classes and get licensed, but it’s one of the ultimate self-sufficient communication options.
Simpler and more basic solutions fall in the category of CB radios and other two-way radios. If you live on a large property with multiple family members or friends, it makes sense to think about two-way radios as an option. They’re pretty cheap, easy to use and try to power them with solar rechargeable batteries. That just makes sense.
Many off-grid and self-sufficient homesteads are in remote locations. That helps as wild locations present more natural options related to water, firewood, fishing, foraging and hunting. But living in the middle of nowhere has a downside and while out of sight, out of mind is a good idea -remote areas are sometimes vulnerable to trespassers, poachers and others.
Good locks on doors and windows make sense, and a fence can at least discourage trespassing. A chain across the front of long-driveway is standard police recommendation, and having something as basic as a dog in the house can not only deter trespassing but alert you to something going on outside.
Perimeter lighting that’s motion activated and solar powered is another effective security deterrent as well as audible alarms and even motion activated video cameras.
How far you go with personal and property security has a lot to do with your location, the local situation and your personal feeling about security. Here are some links to various subjects related to security for a self-sufficient lifestyle:
You can stockpile all of the equipment and supplies you can think of but what sets apart someone who is self-sufficient is their knowledge and skills. The Internet is a good source of information and there’s no shortage of YouTube videos covering many subjects in depth.
Take the time to learn more, and it also may be wise to put together a library of books on various self-sufficient subjects. If you ever find yourself without power or Internet access it’s good to have a reliable fallback like a good book.
Self-sufficiency seems to be defined by stockpiling and a good bit of preparation, but it’s really about a way of thinking, Our motivations for self-sufficiency vary. Some of us just are tired of over-paying for utilities and products. Others are genuinely concerned about the lack of goods and services.
Regardless of the reason, a self-sufficient mindset is a source of independence. It's reassuring to know that no matter what may occur, you have the will and the wherewithal to survive and thrive in the best and worst of times. These days it’s hard to know which way things will turn, but if you can keep a focus on self-sufficient behaviors and actions it just makes sense to continue to think and act that way.
My objective in this article isn’t to spread fear regarding the use of modern medicine, but rather to discuss rational preparation strategies in case we can’t get our hands on medicine. Why Prepare for the Disruption of Big Pharma? The most obvious reason is because so much has to go right in order for our […]
Here’s the lie that gets people killed: “Cold weather is dangerous, but I’m experienced.” That mindset is where most winter disasters start. The truth is ugly and winter camping dangers don’t usually pick off first-timers first. They nail confident intermediates. The folks who’ve slept outside in October, done a couple snowy weekends, and now think ... Read more...
