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The delightful scent of freshly baked cookies fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but smile. These Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies are a comforting twist on a classic, merging the warm, cozy flavors of Irish soda bread—think sweet raisins, earthy caraway, and a dash of nutmeg—into a simple drop cookie.

No fancy techniques or waiting for dough to rise here! They come together quickly, making them the perfect treat to satisfy your cookie cravings any day of the week. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply wanting to indulge during a cozy afternoon tea, these cookies deliver delightful sweetness and warmth in every bite. Plus, with the option to customize the flavors, you can make them uniquely yours.

If you’re tired of the same old snack options and yearn for a homemade treat that’s bursting with flavor, you’re in for a delicious surprise! Let’s roll up our sleeves and start baking these effortlessly charming cookies together.

Why are Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies a must-try?

Delicious Flavor Fusion: The blend of sweet raisins, caraway, and nutmeg creates a richly comforting taste that will remind you of your favorite Irish bakery.
Quick and Easy: No yeast or rising time required—simply mix, bake, and enjoy these delightful cookies in under 30 minutes!
Customizable Treat: Feeling adventurous? Switch up the flavor by adding orange zest or dried fruits to make each batch your own.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a hit at gatherings, whether it’s a festive celebration or a casual tea with friends.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: They offer a heartwarming taste of home that everyone will love, making them the ideal homemade snack alternative to fast food.

Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

Raisins – Provide sweetness and moisture; soak them in warm water to plump before use.
Water – Used to soak the raisins, ensuring they’re tender for the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure of the cookies; King Arthur flour is highly recommended.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavener, helping the cookies rise for a tender texture.
Caraway Seed – Adds a distinct flavor; crush before adding to release the oils. You can omit it or substitute with orange zest for a delightful twist.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
Shortening – Provides a tender crumb; Crisco is preferred for best results.
Sugar – Sweetens the dough, giving the cookies their lovely taste.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for soft cookies.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Ground Nutmeg – Brings warm spice notes to the cookies that evoke a comforting aroma.

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Use for the glaze; sifting ensures a smooth, lump-free finish.
Milk – Essential for the glaze, helps achieve the desired consistency when mixed.
Lemon Extract – Offers a citrusy brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the glaze.

These Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies come together with ingredients you likely already have on hand—creating a comforting, homemade treat that will warm any heart!

How to Make Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Boil the raisins in a saucepan with water for about 8-10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. This step plumps the raisins, making them soft and flavorful. Set aside to cool.
Crush the caraway seeds in a small bowl, releasing their aromatic oils. This distinct flavor will elevate your cookies, but feel free to omit if desired.
Whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, crushed caraway, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This dry mixture will form the backbone of your cookie dough.
Beat the shortening and sugar in a separate bowl until fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
Fold in the cooled raisins from Step 2 into the wet mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout for that lovely sweetness in every bite.
Combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender and light.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, spacing them 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Flatten each ball to about 1/4-inch thick to achieve the perfect shape.
Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. The centers may look soft, but this is just right!
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their texture.
Whisk together the glaze ingredients of powdered sugar, milk, and lemon extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, allowing it to set completely before enjoying them.

Optional: Dust with extra powdered sugar for a charming presentation.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies?

Indulging in these delightful cookies opens up a world of flavorful pairings to create a charming meal or snack experience.

Irish Breakfast Tea: A robust cup of this tea complements the sweet, lightly spiced flavors of the cookies, enhancing their comforting essence.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The creaminess and tang of sharp cheddar contrasts beautifully with the sweetness, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Honey Butter: Spread a touch of honey butter on warm cookies for an extra layer of sweetness that brings out the raisins’ flavors.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruit adds a refreshing touch to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing the rich flavors perfectly.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a comforting, indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
Irish Cream Liqueur: For an adult twist, a splash of Irish cream liqueur elevates the experience, offering a creamy and slightly boozy complement to the cookies.
Mulled Wine: A warm, spiced mulled wine can turn an ordinary afternoon into a cozy evening, mirroring the comforting themes of the cookies themselves.

Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies Variations

Get ready to personalize your baking experience and elevate these delightful cookies with some fun twists!

Citrus Twist: Substitute caraway seeds with orange zest to add a bright, zesty flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness.
Dried Fruit Medley: Mix half the raisins with chopped dried apricots or cranberries for an unexpected burst of flavor with every bite. The variety adds both sweetness and a delightful chewiness.
Butter Swap: Use unsalted butter instead of shortening for a richer taste and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This simple switch creates a wonderful buttery aroma while baking.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and a delightful earthiness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a warm spice note that enhances the flavor profile while giving it a cozy, homey feel.
Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent twist that satisfies any chocolate lover’s cravings and adds a luscious richness to each cookie.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to share these treats with friends who have dietary restrictions—just ensure the balance of moisture is intact!
Sweet Maple Glaze: Instead of traditional lemon glaze, drizzle with maple syrup glaze for a unique, sweet finish that brings a lovely depth of flavor.

Storage Tips for Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies

Airtight Container: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will maintain their soft texture and delightful flavor.

Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Thawing: To enjoy, simply thaw cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, drizzle with glaze for a deliciously fresh treat.

Glaze Consideration: If you’ve glazed your Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies, ensure the glaze has fully set before stacking them to prevent sticking.

Expert Tips for Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies

Raisin Prep: Soak the raisins in warm water until plump. This ensures they add moisture and sweetness, preventing a dry cookie.
Caraway Flavor: Crush caraway seeds before adding them to release their essential oils. If you prefer milder flavors, consider omitting them or using orange zest instead.
Dough Thickness: Flatten the dough balls to the correct thickness (1/4-inch) before baking. This helps them cook evenly and achieve the desired chewy texture.
Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This step reinforces their structure and prevents breakage.
Sifting Sugar: Always sift powdered sugar before mixing it for the glaze. This avoids lumps and gives your Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies a smooth, attractive finish.

Make Ahead Options

These Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can soak the raisins and prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, caraway, and salt) up to 3 days in advance, storing them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. For the wet ingredients, mix the shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the components, roll the dough into balls, and flatten them before baking as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy soft, chewy cookies, just as delicious as if you made them fresh that day, saving you precious time on busy weeknights!

Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of raisins should I use for the cookies?
I recommend using regular raisins for a classic flavor, but golden raisins can give a milder sweetness if you prefer. Make sure to soak them in warm water to plump them for optimal moisture and taste before mixing them into your dough.

How should I store the cookies after baking?
To maintain freshness, keep your Simple Irish Soda Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If glazed, ensure the glaze is fully set before stacking, and consider layering parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze the cookies? What’s the best method?
Absolutely! You can freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding your glaze for a fresh taste.

What should I do if my dough is too wet or dry?
If your dough seems too wet, it could be due to excess liquid from the raisins. Add a tablespoon or two of flour gradually until the consistency is manageable. On the other hand, if it’s too dry, try adding a splash of milk or an extra egg to bring it together. Remember, the aim is a soft and slightly tacky dough.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! If you or anyone you’re serving has a gluten allergy, this recipe is not suitable as it contains all-purpose flour. Additionally, if you have any allergies related to eggs or dairy, consider using egg replacers or non-dairy milk for the glaze. Always double-check labels for added ingredients!

How can I customize these cookies further?
The more the merrier when it comes to flavor! You can omit caraway seeds for a milder flavor or substitute them with orange zest for a citrusy kick. Feel free to mix in other dried fruits such as chopped apricots or cranberries, or even swap butter for shortening for a richer taste. Enjoy experimenting!