Holiday Fruit Drops
Holiday Fruit Drops are delightful, festive cookies packed with nuts, candied fruit, cherries, and dates. Their rich, sweet flavor and chewy texture make them perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy fruit-laden baked treats with a hint of nostalgia.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, brown sugar, and eggs well.
- Stir in soured milk.
- Measure flour; sift.
- Blend dry ingredients and stir into the mixture.
- Stir in nuts, candied fruit, candied cherries, and dates.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until almost no imprint remains when touched.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also replace the candied fruit with dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for a healthier twist. Ensure you sift the flour properly to avoid clumping, and chilling the dough is crucial for better shaping before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies can be served as a festive treat during the holidays or alongside a cup of tea. They pair beautifully with Lemon Coconut Bars for a sweet platter. Consider serving them at gatherings or giving them as gifts in decorative tins for a thoughtful gesture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Holiday Fruit Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a microwave before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Fruit Drops contains roughly 4463 calories, with 20g protein, 813g carbohydrates, and 141g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), calcium (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2958mg per serving (129% 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 regular milk instead of soured milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk. To mimic soured milk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using. This will give you a similar acidity to help the baking soda work effectively.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will provide a rich flavor and different texture. If using butter, the cookies may spread more, so consider chilling the dough longer.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To enhance the festive feel, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also use colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top before baking to make them visually appealing for holiday gatherings.
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).