National Raisin Day Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Make

National Raisin Day is a great excuse to make something with this underrated pantry staple. Raisins are naturally sweet, easy to store, and work well in both sweet and savory recipes. From breakfast to dinner, they’re more versatile than you might think.

You’ll find raisins in everything from cookies and breads to salads and grain bowls. They add a chewy texture and a touch of natural sugar without overpowering the dish. Plus, they pair well with nuts, oats, rice, and even meats.

Whether you’ve got a handful of raisins or a whole bag, there are plenty of simple ways to use them. These recipes highlight how one small ingredient can bring extra flavor and texture to everyday meals and snacks.

Pain aux Raisin

These flaky pastries are filled with a swirl of pastry cream and plump raisins, all wrapped in buttery layers. They bake up golden with just the right amount of crisp around the edges. A light glaze or dusting of sugar gives them a bakery-style finish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a weekend treat with coffee.
Get the Recipe: Pain aux Raisin

Russian cottage cheese pancakes

Soft on the inside and golden on the outside, these pancakes are made with cottage cheese for a tender, protein-rich bite. Slightly sweet and great with fruit, jam, or a spoonful of sour cream. They’re quick to cook and work for both breakfast or a light dessert. A cozy, no-fuss dish with a nostalgic feel.
Get the Recipe: Russian cottage cheese pancakes

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Power Cookies

Packed with oats, peanut butter, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are great for on-the-go snacking. They’re sturdy enough to hold their shape but soft and chewy inside. A good option for a post-workout bite or an afternoon pick-me-up. Simple, hearty, and made with ingredients you probably already have.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Peanut Butter Power Cookies

Santa Lucia Buns for Santa Lucia Day

These saffron-scented buns are soft, golden, and shaped into traditional twists, often with raisins tucked in the curves. They’re lightly sweet and often enjoyed warm with a bit of butter. Traditionally served on Santa Lucia Day, they’re also great any time you want a comforting bake. Their bright color makes them feel festive and special.
Get the Recipe: Santa Lucia Buns for Santa Lucia Day

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

A soft loaf swirled with cinnamon sugar and dotted with juicy raisins, this bread is perfect toasted with butter. It’s lightly sweet, with a warm spice that comes through in every slice. Great for breakfast or as a base for French toast. You can bake it ahead and enjoy it all week long.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Irish Soda Bread

This rustic bread uses baking soda for rise instead of yeast, making it quick and easy to pull together. It has a dense, tender crumb and a slightly crisp crust. Often dotted with raisins or caraway seeds, it’s great with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews. A dependable recipe that doesn’t require much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Irish Soda Bread

Mandarin Orange Salad

Bright and refreshing, this salad features juicy mandarin segments, greens, and crunchy toppings like nuts or crispy noodles. A light vinaigrette or sweet-tangy dressing ties it all together. It works well as a side or light lunch, especially when you’re craving something crisp and fresh. Easy to prep and always colorful on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Mandarin Orange Salad

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Warm, tender apples cooked quickly in the air fryer with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of sweetener. They’re soft in the middle with just a little bite left around the edges. Add a scoop of yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter for a cozy snack or dessert. A simple way to enjoy baked fruit without heating up the whole kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Apples

Mashed Potato Cookies

A clever way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, these cookies bake up soft with a surprisingly light texture. Slightly sweet and often spiced or filled with raisins or chocolate chips. They’re unique, comforting, and always get people curious. A fun, old-fashioned recipe that’s worth a try.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Cookies

Danish

Flaky pastry with a rich, buttery texture and a variety of fillings—from fruit to cream cheese. They bake up golden and layered, with just the right balance of sweet and airy. Often finished with icing or a simple glaze, they’re a great option for breakfast or a treat with coffee. Classic and always well-loved.
Get the Recipe: Danish

Carrot Raisin Salad

This crunchy salad combines shredded carrots and raisins with a light, creamy dressing. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs well with the chewy raisins for a mix that’s both fresh and simple. Serve it chilled as a side dish or quick lunch. Great for meal prep or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Garibaldi Biscuits

These thin, crisp biscuits are filled with a layer of squashed raisins between the dough—sometimes called “squashed fly biscuits.” Lightly sweet and often enjoyed with tea, they’re crisp around the edges and chewy in the middle. They store well and are perfect for a not-too-sweet snack. A nostalgic treat with a long history.
Get the Recipe: Garibaldi Biscuits

Oatmeal Banana Coconut Cookies

Soft and naturally sweetened with banana, these cookies get a chewy texture from oats and a bit of bite from shredded coconut. They’re great for breakfast on the go or a wholesome snack. No fancy ingredients needed—just a few pantry staples. A nice way to use up ripe bananas.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Banana Coconut Cookies

Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts get a nice char when roasted in a pan, bringing out their nutty, caramelized flavor. A little oil and seasoning go a long way, and you can toss in extras like garlic or balsamic for extra punch. They’re crisp on the outside and tender inside. A simple side dish that works with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts