Mincemeat Drop Cookies
Mincemeat Drop Cookies offer a delightful combination of rich mincemeat and crunchy walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or a festive treat with a warm cup of tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thoroughly cream shortening and sugar.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt).
- Add half of the dry mixture to the creamed mixture.
- Add finely crumbled mincemeat and water, and stir until blended.
- Add remaining flour mixture and nuts, and stir until well combined.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheets and bake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or almonds work well as substitutes. Ensure your mincemeat is finely crumbled for even distribution in the dough. For an added touch, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the spice profile, reminiscent of American recipes. Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
Serving Suggestions
These mincemeat drop cookies are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Sour Cream Pumpkin Pie for a festive dessert platter. You can also serve them alongside Cucumbers 'N Cream as a refreshing contrast. For a creative twist, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag, where they will last for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mincemeat Drop Cookies contains roughly 1412 calories, with 13g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Alternatively, use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the cookies moist.
What if I don't have mincemeat?
If you can't find mincemeat, you can create a substitute by mixing diced apples, raisins, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Combine 1 cup of diced apples with 1/2 cup of raisins and a teaspoon of each spice. This will mimic the flavor profile of mincemeat and work well in the cookies.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can add a cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots to the dough for a festive twist. Drizzling melted white chocolate over the cookies after baking can also elevate their presentation and taste, making them perfect 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).