Gramma Ritchey'S Fruit Cookies
Sweet and fruity cookies packed with raisins, dates, canned fruits, and fragrant spices, perfect for holiday treats or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy rich, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Crisco ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 2 cups raisins, floured ⓘ
- 2 cups dates, chopped and floured ⓘ
- 4 cups canned fruits (crushed pineapple, peaches, pears, applesauce, maraschino cherries) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups nuts, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated orange rind ⓘ
- juice from 2 lemons ⓘ
- juice from 2 oranges ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons hot water ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cream Crisco and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add well-beaten eggs and molasses; mix well.
- Add canned fruits, chopped nuts, chopped dates, vanilla, dissolved baking soda in water, then flour, spices, and salt.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto well-greased and floured cookie sheets.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool on racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cookie, consider substituting half of the Crisco with unsalted butter. If you want to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Ensure the fruits are well-drained to prevent excess moisture. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors significantly. These cookies can also be made with dried cranberries or apricots for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a fun presentation, serve them on a festive platter alongside Santa'S Whiskers(Cookies) for a delightful cookie spread. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gramma Ritchey'S Fruit Cookies contains roughly 1357 calories, with 15g protein, 289g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (158% of the Daily Value), potassium (94% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2151mg per serving (94% 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 canned for this recipe?
While canned fruits provide moisture and sweetness, you can use fresh fruits, but you may need to adjust the quantity and add a bit of sugar to compensate for the difference in moisture. Make sure to chop them finely and consider using fruits like diced apples or pears that will hold their shape.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to drop onto the cookie sheets, you can gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Alternatively, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to handle.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles or chopped candied fruit to the dough before baking. You could also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a beautiful finish, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
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).