Fruit Cocktail Cookies(45 Years Or Older)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Fruit Cocktail Cookies offer a nostalgic blend of fruity sweetness and warm spices, perfect for those seeking a moist, flavorful treat with hints of cinnamon and cloves.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 cups fruit cocktail, drained
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 1/2 cups nut meats (optional)
  • 1 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and soda in a bowl.
  2. Add cinnamon and cloves; mix well.
  3. Blend in fruit cocktail, shortening, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
  4. Mix well until the batter is uniform.
  5. Drop batter by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet in balls.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar exclusively or adding a touch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon and cloves. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. For added texture, feel free to toss in some chopped dried fruits or swap out the raisins for chocolate chips for a different twist. Ensure the fruit cocktail is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside Aunt Naomi's Fruit Cocktail Cake or other sweet treats. For a festive touch, serve them at gatherings or with a cup of coffee during brunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until just heated through, which helps restore their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fruit Cocktail Cookies(45 Years Or Older) contains roughly 430 calories, with 4g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

430 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.4g 9% DV
Total Fat 25.7g 33% DV
Carbs 53.3g 19% DV
Fiber 14.1g 51% DV
Sugar 12.7g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 217.8mg 9% DV
Potassium 459.2mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 1.7mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 306.6mg 24% DV
Iron 5.7mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 canned fruit cocktail?

Yes, you can use fresh fruit, but it's important to chop it finely and ensure it's well-drained to avoid adding too much moisture. Also, consider adjusting the sugar in the recipe based on the sweetness of the fresh fruit.

How can I make these cookies chewy instead of crisp?

To achieve a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies, taking them out when they are just set and still soft in the center. Additionally, using more brown sugar than white sugar can enhance the chewiness.

What can I use instead of nut meats if I have a nut allergy?

If you're looking for a nut-free alternative, you can simply omit the nuts or substitute them with seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Alternatively, adding more dried fruit can also provide extra texture and sweetness.

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).

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