Dole Holiday Treats
Festive and flavorful, these orange-spiced cookies with raisins and dates offer a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat margarine and sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, grated orange peel, and grated lemon peel.
- Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg; beat into margarine mixture until blended.
- Stir in dates and raisins.
- Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Spread slightly with the back of a spoon or fork.
- Bake at 375°F for 10 to 13 minutes.
- Cool on wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more festive flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. If you don’t have margarine, butter can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly. For a gluten-free version, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to beat the mixture thoroughly to achieve that fluffy texture which is key to the cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert. Consider serving them with a side of Low Calorie Macaroni Salad for a balanced meal, or enjoy them as a sweet treat at any festive occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dole Holiday Treats contains roughly 83 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 fresh fruit instead of dried dates and raisins?
While fresh fruit is delicious, it may change the moisture content of the cookies, making them too wet. If you want to experiment, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe to accommodate the fruit. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots could also be a great alternative.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape. Alternatively, you can lightly flour your hands or the spoon used for dropping the dough to help manage stickiness.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To give these cookies a festive touch, consider adding colorful sprinkles or holiday-themed chocolate chips before baking. You could also drizzle melted chocolate on top after they cool for a delicious finishing touch. Adding spices like ginger or nutmeg can enhance the holiday flavor even more.
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).