English Rocks
English Rocks are hearty, nut and fruit-filled cookies with warm spices, perfect for sharing during festive occasions or as a delicious treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 1 c. butter flavored shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. light brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 3 c. flour, sifted ⓘ
- 1 tsp. soda ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. buttermilk
- 6 c. pecans, chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. dates, diced
- 1 lb. candied cherries, chopped ⓘ
- 6 slices candied pineapple, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream the butter flavored shortening and light brown sugar together.
- Beat in the eggs until well combined.
- Add the sifted flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to the mixture.
- Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter over the chopped pecans, diced dates, chopped candied cherries, and chopped candied pineapple; mix thoroughly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the butter flavored shortening is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seeds or omit the nuts entirely. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful English Rocks are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet snack. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Consider serving alongside a slice of Downtown Fudge Pie for a decadent dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover English Rocks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Rocks contains roughly 3067 calories, with 42g protein, 477g carbohydrates, and 164g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (296% of the Daily Value), iron (180% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 candied fruit?
Yes, you can substitute fresh fruit for candied cherries and pineapple, but be aware that fresh fruit has higher moisture content. You may need to adjust the flour slightly to compensate for the added moisture. Diced dried fruits like apricots or figs also work well as alternatives.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the baking soda, to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The English Rocks are done when they turn golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Baking time may vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they approach the 20-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).