A few weeks ago, we were at the beach.  Do you bring tons of junk food to the beach? We do.  We go to Bethany Beach with my parents each year, and I have to say, it’s almost become a game, a contest, to see who can bring the best/most junk food.  My mom wins every year.  Hands down.  This year, she brought a tray of homemade cookies.  Needless to say, they didn’t last long with our crew.  Chocolate Chip Cookies, Shortbread Cookies and my absolute favorite cookie: Raisin Honey Chews!
The cookie back story?  I’m not really sure there is a backstory!  Here is what I do know.  My mom has been making Raisin Honey Chews since I was, well, since I was a little girl.  My dad and I hold a special place in our hearts for Raisin Honey Chews.  In fact, it’s often a contest to see who can get to them first and who get’s the most cookies!  WE. LOVE. THESE. COOKIES.  My mom would double the recipe every time and freeze a container or two so that she could surprise us with cookies every so often.  And surprise us with cookies she did.
Raisin Honey Chews
So, let’s get to the heart of these delicious, god-sent cookies.  There is a hidden ingredient, a must, a star of the cookie.  Orange zest!  Only a teaspoon of orange zest in these heavenly cookies, but OHHH EMM GEEE!  The orange zest just gives the Raisin Honey Chews a little something extra, a little something special.
In less than 10 ingredients, you can have warm, oh-so chewy, cookies packed with oats, raisins and ooeey gooey honey!  Another little secret? Honey! I love honey. I love raw, local honey.  If you can find good, local and raw honey- BUY IT!  The honey will most definitely be more expensive than what you find in the grocery store, but it’s so worth it.  Good honey lasts forever, helps with allergies and is just so good for you.  We are really very lucky here in Lancaster with an amazing farmer’s market right downtown.  Lots and lots of standholders from local farms selling Lancaster’s freshest and finest to all who call this place home.
Raisin Honey Chews
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter
- 3/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Honey
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 Tsp Grated Orange Peel
- 1 1/2 Cup Flour
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda
- 2 Cups Quick Oats
- 1 Cup Raisins (1/2 Brown 1/2 Golden)
Instructions
- Set the oven to 375 degrees
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, honey, egg and grated orange peel.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and quick oats
- Add the raisins and mix well.
- Use about a teaspoon full of batter and add to a greased or parchment line cookie tray. The cookie tray should fit 3 across and 3 down.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are a little brown. Remove from the tray and transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
The Grated Orange Peel is essential! Don't forget to add it.
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Raisin Honey Chews were a magical part of my childhood.  These cookies feel and taste like home to me.  I love them.  My family loves them.  Raisin Honey Chews are a different take on ordinary oatmeal cookies.  Not only did I love them as a kid, my own kids can’t eat enough of them.  Raisin Honey Chews are kid-tested, kid-friendly and kid-approved!
