Christmas Drops
Festive and flavorful Christmas Drops combine candied cherries, pineapple, dates, and pecans in a soft, sweet cookie, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red candied cherries, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup green candied cherries, chopped
- 2 cups candied pineapple, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. pitted dates, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided ⓘ
- 1 cup butter, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine red candied cherries, green candied cherries, candied pineapple, dates, and pecans; dredge in 1/2 cup flour, stirring well.
- Set aside the fruit and nut mixture.
- Beat softened butter in a large mixing bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer; gradually add brown sugar, beating well.
- Add eggs, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in buttermilk.
- In a separate bowl, combine remaining 3 cups flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto lightly greased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Immediately remove cookies from sheets and cool on wire racks.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container or freeze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of some butter. If you can't find candied fruits, dried fruits like apricots or raisins can work as substitutes; just soak them in warm water to soften. When mixing in the flour, avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Enjoy these delightful treats alongside a cup of coffee for a lovely afternoon snack.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Herman Coffee Cake for a delightful dessert spread. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Christmas Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer preservation, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven at a low temperature to restore their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Drops contains roughly 2261 calories, with 28g protein, 391g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and protein (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2617mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
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 make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill it in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavors and make the dough easier to handle. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them for several days or freeze them for longer storage.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk and work well in this recipe.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans if you prefer. Just keep in mind that different nuts may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies, but they will still be delicious.
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).