Holiday Fruit Cookies
Holiday Fruit Cookies are festive treats packed with chopped red and green cherries and crunchy pecans, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or milk.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix well the shortening, brown sugar, and eggs.
- Add buttermilk and stir in the self-rising flour.
- Chill the dough overnight for easier handling.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the shortening with butter. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Chilling the dough overnight is crucial for easier handling and helps enhance the flavors. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for additional warmth, complementing the holiday spirit.
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Fruit Cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside other treats like Delicious Pecan Pie or Mary Ann Cake during holiday gatherings. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to regain their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Fruit Cookies contains roughly 3020 calories, with 31g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 276g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cherries instead of chopped cherries?
While fresh cherries can be used, they will add more moisture to the dough, which may require an adjustment in flour. Make sure to pit and chop them finely. Dried cherries could also be a great alternative, providing a concentrated flavor without altering the dough's consistency.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky after mixing, consider chilling it longer or adding a bit more self-rising flour gradually until it reaches a manageable consistency. Remember, the chilling step is important, so don't skip it; it helps firm up the dough for easier handling.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, you could reduce the sugar by a third or substitute some of it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of self-rising flour will increase fiber content, making them a slightly healthier option.
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).