Grandma'S Christmas Cookies
Grandma's Christmas Cookies are rich, flavorful treats with a delightful mix of oats, nuts, raisins, and candied fruit or chocolate chips, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the margarine, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Sift together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda.
- Measure and set out the rolled oats, eggs, chopped nuts, raisins, and candied fruit or chocolate chips.
- In a large mixing bowl with the creamed mixture, add 2 cups of the flour mixture, mixing well.
- Add an egg, then the remaining flour mixture; mix well.
- Add an egg, then the remaining oats.
- Work in the last egg with the nuts, raisins, and candied fruit or chocolate chips.
- If using candied fruit, take some of the flour and mix with the fruit to keep it from sticking together.
- Dough should be stiff, but moist.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider replacing half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. If you prefer a different spice profile, cinnamon or nutmeg can be substituted for the pumpkin pie spice.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk. For a festive treat, serve them alongside Pina Colada Squares or Unbelievable Fudge for a delightful dessert spread that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving, or gently warm them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Christmas Cookies contains roughly 4008 calories, with 47g protein, 640g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), and calcium (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 923mg per serving (40% 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 butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. It will enhance the flavor and give the cookies a richer taste. Just keep in mind that using butter may slightly change the texture, making them a bit softer.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the white and brown sugar by up to a third without significantly affecting the texture. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of candied fruit to balance the sweetness.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
To make this recipe vegan, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the cookies moist.
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).