Dottie'S Christmas Gems
Dottie's Christmas Gems are festive, nut-filled confections with warm spices and chewy dates, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet treats for families and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat a miniature muffin pan and prepare to fill each cup with the batter.
- Cream together 2/3 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 eggs to the mixture and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon clove.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
- Stir in 1 pound chopped dates, 1 pound raisins, and 1 pound walnuts.
- Pour 1 cup boiling water over the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Fill each miniature muffin cup with the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting pecans for walnuts or using dried cranberries in place of raisins. Ensure the butter is softened for easier creaming with the sugar. If you're short on time, use pre-chopped nuts and dates. For a lighter texture, try sifting the flour before mixing. These gems are similar to Peanut Butter Chip Muffins in their comforting nature.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful gems make a perfect addition to a holiday dessert platter. Serve them alongside Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Bars or as a sweet treat with coffee. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Dottie's Christmas Gems in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dottie'S Christmas Gems contains roughly 1957 calories, with 16g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% 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 Dottie's Christmas Gems ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before filling the muffin cups and baking. This is a great option if you're planning for a holiday gathering.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, chopped dried apricots or figs can make excellent substitutes. They will add a slightly different flavor but maintain the chewy texture that complements the other ingredients well.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The gems are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark.
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).