Apple Butter, Raisin & Walnut Spice Cookies

Chewy, spicy, and moist with just the right crunch from the walnut pieces. I love how that they come out in different shapes and not boringly round. These make an amazing gift because they are rich, yet the flavors are so perfect with any holiday spread.

Makes 36 Cookies

Ingredients:

½ C shortening
1 C sugar
¼ C light brown sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 large egg whole
2 t vanilla extract
¼ C apple butter
2 T heavy cream (or milk)
2 C all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1 t kosher salt
2 t allspice
1/3 – ½ C golden raisins
1/3 – ½ C chopped walnuts

Direction:

• In a separate bowl, add the flour, salt, baking soda and allspice. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the shortening, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and apple butter until well blended. Mix for about 3 minutes on high. Add 2 T heavy cream and blend for about another 30 seconds until incorporated. Add the dry ingredients in the separate bowl in about 4 steps, blending before adding more, and scraping down the bowl each time. Just mix on low until blended. Do not over-beat. Now add the raisins and walnuts and blend until mixed in.
• Drop by spoonful onto a cookie sheet, in balls about 1 ½ inch diameter or less. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 7 ½ minutes or until lightly brown on top and brown on bottom. Remove and cool on rack. Keep in airtight container. Or freeze for up to a month.