Lizzies Holiday Cookies
Delightful holiday cookies packed with candied cherries, raisins, and warm spices, perfect for festive gatherings and gifting, offering a rich, fruity, and spiced flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up candied cherries, raisins, and pecan pieces.
- Combine all fruits, nuts, and raisins in a bowl with 1/2 cup flour and mix well to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and dark brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Stir in whiskey or fruit juice, milk, and rum extract.
- Add this mixture to the fruit and nut mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add the remaining flour and mix until well combined.
- Grease cookie sheets and drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto them.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool completely, then store in airtight cans for long-lasting freshness.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter. If you don't have whiskey, fruit juice is a great alternative, but you might want to reduce the sugar slightly since juice can add sweetness. Ensure your butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar, and using a mix of dried fruits can add variety.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a platter of Apple Puff or other holiday treats. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins, adding to the holiday spirit.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a sealed bag or container. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lizzies Holiday Cookies contains roughly 2149 calories, with 33g protein, 218g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (72% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2091mg per serving (91% 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 substitute the pecans with another type of nut?
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of pecans or have allergies, walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes. They will provide a similar crunch and flavor profile, ensuring your cookies remain delicious and satisfying.
What can I use instead of candied cherries?
If you prefer not to use candied cherries, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots can be a great alternative. They will add a tangy sweetness, which complements the spices well and keeps the holiday spirit alive in each bite.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
For a festive touch, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top before baking. You could also drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies for a beautiful presentation, making them a standout treat at any holiday gathering.
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).