Drop Christmas Cookies
Drop Christmas Cookies are festive treats filled with dried fruits and nuts, offering a rich, fruity, and nutty flavor perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up dates, candied cherries, and candied pineapple into fine pieces.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour over the chopped fruit and let stand overnight.
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add beaten eggs and vanilla to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Sift together 2 cups flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Toss the sifted dry ingredients with the walnuts and candied fruits until coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest into the batter. If you don't have walnuts on hand, pecans or almonds can be a great substitute. Ensure the chopped fruit is well coated in flour to prevent sinking during baking. For easier mixing, soften the butter at room temperature before creaming it with the brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea. For a holiday gathering, serve alongside 'Out Of This World' Salad for a balanced treat. You can also plate them with Sliced Cucumbers and Sooper Easy Cheese Dip for a unique sweet and savory spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Drop Christmas Cookies contains roughly 388 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 candied fruit?
Using fresh fruit isn't recommended as it contains more moisture, which can alter the texture of the cookies. However, if you prefer fresh, consider drying the fruit first to reduce moisture content. Dried fruits can mimic the texture and sweetness of candied versions.
How can I make these cookies more Christmas-themed?
To enhance the holiday spirit, try adding festive spices like nutmeg or cloves, or even a splash of rum or brandy for flavor. You could also decorate the cookies with icing or sprinkle with edible glitter after baking to give them a festive touch.
What can I serve these cookies with?
These drop cookies pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like hot cocoa or spiced cider. For an appetizer spread, you might consider serving them alongside Marie Calendars' Cornbread to balance the sweet with savory flavors during holiday gatherings.
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).