Christmas Rocks
Festive and flavorful, Christmas Rocks are chewy treats packed with candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. candied pineapple ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. candied cherries ⓘ
- 2 lb. dates, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 cups nuts ⓘ
- 3 eggs
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons brandy flavoring ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon soda
- 1/3 cup hot water ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut candied pineapple and candied cherries into small pieces.
- Add the candied fruits, chopped dates, and nuts to a mixing bowl with 1/2 cup of flour and toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, cream the shortening and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, brandy flavoring, and hot water or whiskey to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and allspice to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the coated candied fruits, chopped dates, and nuts until evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into small rocks or clusters and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting pecans for walnuts or using dried apricots instead of candied fruits. Ensure the shortening is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash more hot water to help combine everything. Remember to coat the fruits and nuts in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These festive treats can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack or served alongside coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with Apple-Cherry Brown Betty for a delightful dessert spread. Consider including them in a holiday gift box along with other homemade goodies like Grandma's Microwave Fudge for a personal touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Christmas Rocks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to regain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Rocks contains roughly 4514 calories, with 37g protein, 333g carbohydrates, and 337g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (180% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and protein (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2750mg per serving (120% 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 Christmas Rocks ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies can be made several days in advance. Once baked, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This helps the flavors meld and enhances the taste. Just remember to keep them away from moisture to maintain their texture.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor. Both options will provide a rich texture, but keep in mind that using butter may yield a slightly different taste and may spread more during baking.
How do I ensure my Christmas Rocks are not too dry?
To prevent dryness, avoid overbaking the cookies; check them at the lower end of the baking time. Additionally, using fresh, moist ingredients, particularly the candied fruits and dates, will contribute to a chewier texture. If they do seem dry, a quick drizzle of warm water before serving can help revive their moisture.
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).