Boston Fruit Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

Boston Fruit Cookies are sweet, chewy treats packed with raisins, coconut, and nuts, perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family during any occasion.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 box raisins
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 1 cup nuts

Instructions

  1. Blend sugar and shortening together.
  2. Add eggs, sifted flour, and salt.
  3. Combine stewed raisins and soda scalded in 1/2 cup raisin juice.
  4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 350° to 375° for 10 to 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half shortening instead of all shortening. You can substitute dried cranberries or chopped dates for raisins if you prefer. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor. Be sure to sift the flour to avoid clumps and ensure an even mix. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar alternative suitable for baking.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for a casual gathering or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. Serve them alongside a refreshing Dig Deep Salad (Make Night Before!) to balance their sweetness. For added decadence, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make a delightful snack for kids after school.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Boston Fruit Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they are slightly crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Boston Fruit Cookies contains roughly 1691 calories, with 23g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2706mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).

1691 kcal 85% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23g 46% DV
Total Fat 93.9g 100% DV
Carbs 199.8g 73% DV
Fiber 15.6g 56% DV
Sugar 4.6g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2706.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 1242.3mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 134.6mg 45% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 124.5mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 36.5mg 41% DV
Calcium 291.7mg 22% DV
Iron 9.6mg 53% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you have on hand, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces for even distribution in the dough. Each type of nut will give your cookies a unique flavor and texture.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make Boston Fruit Cookies gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure. You might also need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to scoop. Alternatively, you can gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a workable consistency.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →