Drop Fruit Cookies
Drop Fruit Cookies are sweet, spicy treats packed with raisins or dates, featuring cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Add enough flour to make the mixture stiff enough to drop from a spoon, about 3 1/2 cups or more.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding nuts or swapping some raisins for chopped dried apricots. If you don’t have sour milk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Adjust the spices according to your taste—adding more cinnamon can enhance the warmth of these cookies. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These drop fruit cookies pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for an afternoon treat. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters, complementing other sweet treats like Brownies From Tillie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they are soft and fresh again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Drop Fruit Cookies contains roughly 723 calories, with 9g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 923mg per serving (40% 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 fresh fruit instead of dried fruit in this recipe?
Fresh fruit can add moisture to the cookies, which might affect the texture. If you choose to use fresh fruit, consider reducing the amount of sour milk slightly to compensate. It's best to stick with dried fruits like raisins or dates for the best results.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to drop from a spoon, gradually add more flour until it reaches the desired consistency. Start with a quarter cup at a time and mix well. Remember, the dough should be thick enough to hold its shape but still moist for a chewy cookie.
How can I enhance the flavor of these cookies?
To enhance the flavor, you can experiment with adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or even a dash of nutmeg along with the cinnamon and cloves. A pinch of orange zest can also add a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness of the dried fruit.
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).