Baking > Pastry > French Pastry

Pain aux Raisins with Lemon and Poppy Seeds Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup raisins

Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand 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, salt, and poppy seeds.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
5. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice and mix until combined.
6. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Add the milk and mix until just combined.
8. Fold in the raisins.
9. Drop the dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 80
Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 2 g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter.
- Whole milk can be substituted with almond milk.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Substitute the lemon juice with orange juice for a different flavor.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a hint of spice.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming with the sugar.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure all the cookies are the same size.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing.

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 bowl of fresh berries.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

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

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies spread too much, make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming with the sugar.
- If the cookies are too dry, add a little more milk.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them from going stale.

Food History:
Pain aux raisins is a classic French pastry that dates back to the 18th century. It is traditionally served as a breakfast or snack pastry.

Flavor Profiles:
This pastry has a sweet and tart flavor from the combination of lemon and raisins. The poppy seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

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

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Region: French

Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Nutty, Buttery, Fruity