Lizzies (Fruit Cookies)
Sweet fruit cookies with nuts and spices, featuring a rich blend of raisins, cherries, pineapple, and aromatic spices, perfect for festive gatherings and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oleo
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sweet milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 3 scant teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 3 cups self-rising flour ⓘ
- 2/3 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds pecans ⓘ
- 1 pound raisins ⓘ
- 1 pound candied cherries
- 1/2 pound candied pineapple
Instructions
- Combine the first 10 ingredients and make a batter as for cake.
- Add pecans, raisins, cherries, and pineapple to the batter.
- Stir until the fruit and nuts are well coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a slow oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 30 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool.
- Store in an airtight container.
- For better flavor, keep the cookies for 2 to 3 weeks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo and adding a splash of vanilla extract to the batter. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for a different twist. If you want a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving with Dottie'S Christmas Gems during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in an oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lizzies (Fruit Cookies) contains roughly 2573 calories, with 44g protein, 279g carbohydrates, and 154g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and protein (89% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 37g 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 fruit instead of candied fruit?
While fresh fruit can be used, it may alter the moisture content and baking time. For best results, dried or candied fruit provides the right sweetness and texture. If you do use fresh fruit, consider reducing the amount of sweet milk to compensate for the additional moisture.
How can I make these cookies more crunchy?
To achieve a crunchier texture, you can bake the cookies for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Additionally, using toasted pecans instead of raw will enhance the crunch, as well as the flavor of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! To make the cookies vegan, substitute the oleo with a vegan butter alternative, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg), and opt for plant-based milk instead of sweet milk. These adjustments will help maintain the texture and flavor.
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).