Christmas Nuggets
Christmas Nuggets are festive, flavorful treats featuring a blend of spices, dried fruits, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; add brown sugar.
- Add shortening and mix in with a fork until crumbly.
- Add unbeaten eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in fruit, nuts, and milk until combined.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don't have currants, raisins or chopped dried apricots work well as substitutes. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature to easily mix it into the dry ingredients. You can also use a hand mixer for better incorporation of ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these festive nuggets warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or spiced cider during holiday gatherings. For a delightful dessert spread, consider including them alongside Cherry Drop Cookies or other festive treats for a sweet holiday platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Christmas Nuggets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Nuggets contains roughly 1236 calories, with 48g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2263mg per serving (98% 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 use a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but it will alter the flavor and moisture slightly. For a closer match, you can use coconut sugar or a mix of granulated sugar with a bit of molasses.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you want a healthier alternative, you can use unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will give a different flavor and texture, but they work well in this recipe.
Can I make these nuggets dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make them dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free shortening or coconut oil instead of shortening and choose a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk in the recipe.
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).