Food Recipe

Table of Contents

Oatmeal Raisin Persimmon Cookies: A Taste of Autumn’s Embrace

As a chef, certain ingredients evoke the very essence of a season for me. For autumn, it’s undeniably the persimmon. I remember the first time I encountered a ripe Fuyu persimmon, its vibrant orange hue and honeyed sweetness, a stark contrast to the crisp air. It sparked a culinary curiosity that led me down a delightful path, one that eventually culminated in these Oatmeal Raisin Persimmon Cookies. They aren’t just a cookie; they are a warm hug in edible form, a comforting blend of spiced oats, plump raisins, and the unique, luscious sweetness of persimmon that truly defines autumnal baking.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yields: 30 cookies
Serves: 15
Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Eggs

Ingredients

The beauty of these cookies lies in their honest, wholesome ingredients, coming together to create something truly special.

1 cup raisins
1 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ cups chopped or pureed persimmons (or pureed canned apricots as a substitute)
2 cups rolled oats

Equipment Needed

To bring these delightful cookies to life, you’ll want to have these on hand:

Small saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) or a sturdy whisk
Baking sheets
Oven
Cooling rack

Instructions

The process of making these cookies is as comforting as their flavor. Follow these steps closely for perfectly baked treats.

Prepare the Raisins: Begin by covering the raisins with water in a small saucepan. Bring them to a boil and simmer until they are nicely softened. Once tender, drain them thoroughly. This step ensures plump, juicy raisins in every bite.
Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This foundational step is key to a tender cookie.
Incorporate Liquids and Eggs: Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat well after each addition to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. The eggs will help bind the cookies, while the vanilla adds that classic warmth.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl.
Mix the Dough: Beat the dough again until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies.
Fold in the Goodies: Now comes the fun part – gently stir in the prepared raisins, the chopped or pureed persimmons (or their apricot substitute), and the rolled oats. Fold these ingredients in until they are evenly dispersed throughout the cookie dough. The persimmon will lend a unique moisture and sweetness that’s truly special.
Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This temperature is ideal for achieving a cookie that’s crisp on the edges and delightfully soft in the center.
Bake the Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for approximately 10 minutes. You want to take the cookies out while they are still soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.
Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for a few minutes before attempting to remove them. This prevents them from breaking. Once slightly firmed up, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a seasoned baker, I’ve learned a few tricks to elevate these already wonderful cookies.

Persimmon Perfection: For the best flavor, use ripe Fuyu persimmons. They are less astringent and have a delightful sweetness. If you prefer a smoother texture, puree the persimmons. If using canned apricots, ensure they are well-drained before pureeing.
Oat Texture: For a chewier cookie, use old-fashioned rolled oats. If you prefer a more tender cookie, you can lightly chop the oats before adding them to the dough.
Doneness Test: The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven. The edges will be lightly golden. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
Batch Baking: If your baking sheets are crowded, the cookies might not bake evenly. Bake in batches, ensuring there’s enough space between each cookie.
Uniformity: For perfectly uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop of consistent size.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are a delight to serve at any time of day. Their rich, spiced flavor makes them perfect for an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk for a classic comfort experience.

For storage, cool the cookies completely before storing them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to keep them for longer, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply place a frozen cookie on a baking sheet and warm it in a 300-degree Fahrenheit (150-degree Celsius) oven for a few minutes until slightly softened.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per cookie, based on a yield of 30 cookies. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	356.8 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	15.3 g	23%
Saturated Fat	3.8 g	19%
Cholesterol	28.6 mg	9%
Sodium	179.8 mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	52.3 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g	7%
Sugars	33.5 g	133%
Protein	4.3 g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

While these cookies are wonderful as is, feel free to experiment!

Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough along with the oats and raisins for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Spice It Up: For a warmer, more festive flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Citrus Zest: A tablespoon of orange zest can brighten the flavor profile and complement the persimmon beautifully.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: While not tested in this specific recipe, you could experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You would likely need to adjust the liquid content slightly.

FAQs

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?
A: Yes, dried cranberries would work as a delightful substitution for raisins, offering a tart counterpoint to the sweet dough.

Q: My persimmons aren’t very sweet. What should I do?
A: If your persimmons are on the tarter side, you might consider slightly increasing the brown sugar in the recipe, or ensuring you’ve used the full 1 ½ cups as specified.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still appear soft and slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

Q: Can I use butter instead of shortening?
A: You can substitute butter for shortening, but the texture of the cookie might change slightly. Butter will create a slightly crispier cookie, while shortening contributes to a softer, chewier texture. If using butter, use an equal amount (1 cup) and ensure it’s softened.

Q: What’s the best way to store these cookies to keep them soft?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture and keep them softer for longer.

Final Thoughts

These Oatmeal Raisin Persimmon Cookies are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of the season. They embody the warmth of autumn baking, the comfort of familiar flavors, and the subtle magic of seasonal produce. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and create these delightful cookies in your own kitchen. I’d be thrilled to hear about your experience and any personal touches you add to make them uniquely yours. Enjoy every sweet, spiced bite!

Oatmeal Raisin Persimmon Cookies Recipe