Fruit Jumbles
Fruit Jumbles are chewy, colorful cookies packed with dried fruits, nuts, and coconut, perfect for snacking or gifting, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, fruit-filled treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening ⓘ
- 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg yolk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons syrup from maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups presifted flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped dates ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut ⓘ
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, quartered
- 3 slices candied pineapple, chopped
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in egg yolk, vanilla, and syrup from maraschino cherries.
- Sift together flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
- Stir in chopped dates, raisins, shredded coconut, quartered maraschino cherries, chopped candied pineapple, and chopped walnuts until evenly combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto greased baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Fruit Jumbles, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. If you're short on maraschino cherry syrup, maple syrup can be a great substitute. You can also swap out walnuts for pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. For a tropical twist, try adding crushed pineapple instead of candied pineapple.
Serving Suggestions
Fruit Jumbles are perfect as a snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. For a festive touch, consider serving them on a platter during holiday gatherings or as part of a dessert table with other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Fruit Jumbles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm, which will help restore their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Jumbles contains roughly 1262 calories, with 27g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1850mg per serving (80% 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 fruits in this recipe?
While fresh fruit adds moisture, it may alter the texture of the Jumbles. If you prefer fresh fruit, try using it in moderation or consider drying it slightly before adding it to the dough to maintain the right consistency.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make Fruit Jumbles healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also replace shortening with applesauce or a low-fat alternative, and reduce the sugar slightly without compromising the taste.
What can I do if my dough is too dry?
If your dough seems too dry, gradually add a teaspoon of milk or more syrup from maraschino cherries until the desired consistency is reached. Be careful not to add too much, as you want to maintain the cookie's structure.
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).