Fruit Drops
Fruit Drops are delightful, chewy cookies packed with pecans, cherries, and dates, offering a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the shortening, brown sugar, and eggs well.
- Stir in sour milk or buttermilk.
- Sift together flour, soda, and salt, then add to the mixture.
- Stir in the broken pecans, candied cherries, and chopped dates.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until almost no imprint is seen when touched lightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the shortening is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have sour milk or buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits, similar to variations seen in 'Best Ever' Coconut Fruit Cake.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit drops make a delightful treat on their own or can be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. They also complement a fruit platter beautifully, adding a sweet contrast. For a festive touch, serve alongside 'Christmas Coconut Balls' during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through, ensuring they stay soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Drops contains roughly 2155 calories, with 18g protein, 236g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2673mg per serving (116% 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a great flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just ensure that any nuts you choose are chopped to a similar size to maintain the texture of the cookies.
What can I do if I don't have candied cherries?
If you don't have candied cherries, you can use dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots as a substitute. These will still provide a nice sweetness and texture, making your fruit drops equally delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The fruit drops are done when they are lightly golden and a gentle touch leaves almost no imprint. They may seem soft when you first take them out, but they will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
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).