Baked Goods > Pastry > French Pastry

Pain aux Raisins with Coconut and Vanilla Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
7. Fold in the raisins, coconut, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
8. Drop the batter by the tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let cool before serving.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes approximately 24 cookies

Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 130
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Protein: 2 g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Salted butter
- Buttermilk: Plain yogurt or milk
- Raisins: Dried cranberries or dried cherries
- Coconut: Chopped nuts
- Cinnamon: Ground ginger or ground cardamom

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped dark chocolate for a chocolate version
- Substitute the raisins for chopped dried apricots
- Add 1/4 cup of orange zest for a citrus twist

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes
- For a crispier cookie, bake for an extra 2-3 minutes

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cookies on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh fruit.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of buttermilk or milk.
- If the cookies are too soft, bake for an extra 2-3 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
Always store the cookies in an airtight container and consume within 5 days.

Food History:
Pain aux raisins is a traditional French pastry that dates back to the 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the city of Reims, France.

Flavor Profiles:
This recipe has a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Taste: Sweet, Coconutty, Vanilla, Rich, Flaky, Vanilla-Infused