Grandfather Lee Christmas Fruit Cookies
Grandfather Lee Christmas Fruit Cookies are hearty, festive treats packed with nuts, candied cherries, pineapple, and chocolate chips. Their rich, sweet flavor makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of fruitiness and crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine shortening, salt, and vanilla (or rum extract) and blend well.
- Gradually add sugar and cream the mixture thoroughly.
- Add well-beaten eggs and mix well.
- Sift flour and soda together, then add to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, and mix thoroughly.
- Add chocolate chips, nuts, candied cherries, and pineapple, then blend evenly.
- Drop small rounds of dough onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you're out of candied cherries, dried cranberries or raisins can be a great substitute. To ensure even baking, rotate the cookie sheet halfway through baking. If you want to experiment, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist, reminiscent of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. Serve them alongside other treats like Buttermilk Gingerbread for a delightful dessert spread. Consider placing them on a decorative platter to impress guests or gifting them in a holiday tin.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag — they can last up to three months. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandfather Lee Christmas Fruit Cookies contains roughly 2161 calories, with 52g protein, 355g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (105% of the Daily Value), iron (102% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2311mg per serving (100% 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 a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or almond flour for a gluten-free option. Just note that the texture may change slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the cookies?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, which complement the festive spirit. You could also mix in different types of chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate, for a unique twist.
How can I make these cookies more chewy?
To achieve chewier cookies, try slightly reducing the amount of flour or increasing the fat content by adding an extra tablespoon of shortening or butter. Baking for a shorter time can also help retain moisture, resulting in a softer texture.
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).