Holiday Lizzies
Holiday Lizzies are festive, nutty, and candied fruit cookies with a rich, buttery flavor. Packed with cherries, dates, pineapple, and pecans, they offer a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy traditional, hearty treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, butter, and eggs.
- Sift flour and soda together and add to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in the milk.
- Add the candied cherries, dates, pecans, candied pineapple, and whiskey, then mix well.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white. If you find the mixture too thick, you can increase the milk slightly. Ensure your pecans are chopped evenly for consistent texture. If you want to try a different flavor profile, substitute dried cranberries for the candied cherries. This recipe is a delightful addition to holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with Chocolate And Cheese Dessert.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties and can be served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. For an extra festive touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving. They also make a lovely gift when packaged in decorative boxes. Consider pairing them with Fried Green Beans for a delightful contrast of flavors during your holiday feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, place the cookies on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing them to regain their original texture without becoming dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Lizzies contains roughly 1838 calories, with 23g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% 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 fruit instead of candied fruit?
Using fresh fruit is possible, but it may alter the texture and moisture content of the cookies. If you opt for fresh fruit, be sure to chop it into small pieces and possibly reduce the amount of milk in the recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different, and the cookies may need a longer baking time.
What can I substitute for whiskey?
If you prefer not to use whiskey, you can substitute it with apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract for flavor. However, the whiskey adds a unique depth to the cookies, so choose a substitute that complements the other flavors if you want to maintain a similar taste.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbaking, as they can quickly go from perfect to overly dry.
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).