Ingredients:
1 cup raisins
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
Directions:
In a saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and white sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and beaten egg.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well.
Stir in the cooled raisin mixture and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly combined.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.