Lizzies
Lizzies are rich, nutty cookies infused with bourbon or orange juice, featuring a delightful blend of spices and candied cherries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, these treats offer a comforting, flavorful experience with crunchy pecans and aromatic spices that appeal to both traditional and modern palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the brown sugar and butter thoroughly.
- Add the well-beaten eggs to the creamed mixture.
- Sift together the flour, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing well.
- Stir in the milk and bourbon or orange juice, mixing thoroughly.
- Fold in the pecan halves, chopped citron, and candied cherries.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a moderately slow oven at 325°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don't have bourbon, orange juice is a great substitute that adds a nice citrus note. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients to avoid clumps, ensuring a smoother batter. If you want a bit of crunch, you can add a handful of crushed graham crackers for texture, similar to what you'd find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving them alongside Jean's Sweet Potato Casserole or an Excellent Broccoli Cornbread for a delightful spread. For an added touch, drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and bourbon.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled 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 them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lizzies contains roughly 1694 calories, with 11g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% 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 nut?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred. Keep in mind that each nut will impart a different flavor and texture to the cookies. Walnuts are slightly milder, while almonds offer a more distinct crunch. Just ensure any substitute you choose is chopped to a similar size for even distribution in the batter.
What can I use instead of candied cherries?
If you don't have candied cherries, you can use dried cranberries or chopped dates as a substitute. Both options will add a sweet and slightly tart flavor that complements the spices in the cookies. Just be sure to chop the dried fruit into smaller pieces for better incorporation into the batter.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch but still soft in the center. Since baking times can vary based on your oven, start checking them a few minutes before the 25-minute mark. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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).