Evelyn'S Fruit Cookies(Better Than Fruit Cake!)
A rich, fruit-packed cookie with a moist texture and festive flavors, perfect for holidays or special occasions, combining dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of pineapple.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. seedless golden raisins ⓘ
- 1 lb. chopped dates ⓘ
- 5 oz. currants ⓘ
- 1 lb. dried apricots, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or mixed) ⓘ
- 1 large can (25 to 29 oz.) crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 16 oz. maraschino cherries, chopped ⓘ
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs, separated ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons cream (canned, heavy, or half and half) ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine seedless golden raisins, chopped dates, currants, chopped dried apricots, and chopped nuts.
- Add crushed pineapple and chopped maraschino cherries to the fruit mixture and stir well.
- In a separate bowl, cream together unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Dissolve baking soda in the cream and add to the mixture.
- Gradually fold in the flour and salt until just combined.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the batter.
- Pour batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist texture, ensure the dried fruits are well-coated in the batter. You can substitute chopped figs or prunes for the dates or use a mix of your favorite dried fruits. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit cookies are delightful on their own or served with a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside other holiday favorites like Date Nut Dessert or Best Easy Cobbler during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Evelyn'S Fruit Cookies(Better Than Fruit Cake!) contains roughly 716 calories, with 10g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1114mg per serving (48% 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 fruits instead of dried for this recipe?
Fresh fruits are not recommended as they contain too much moisture and can alter the texture of the cookies. Stick to dried fruits for the best results, as they provide the necessary sweetness and chewiness.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the sugar by a third. You could also incorporate more nuts or seeds for added nutrition and crunch, while maintaining the delicious flavor.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter seems too thick, you can add a little more cream or a splash of milk to loosen it up. Just be careful not to add too much at once; a tablespoon at a time works best to maintain the right consistency.
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).