Party Recipe Fruit Cake Cookies
A sweet, nutty cookie loaded with candied fruit and pecans, perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy treat with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the beaten eggs one at a time, then stir in the flour until a dough forms.
- Set the dough aside in a bowl.
- Combine the candied cherries, candied pineapple, golden raisins, chopped dates, and pecans in a separate bowl.
- Fold the fruit and nut mixture into the dough, mixing by hand until well incorporated.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- If the dough sticks to your hands, rinse them in cold water and pat dry before continuing to roll.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cookie, consider using half margarine and half unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for some of the margarine. Make sure to chop the nuts and fruit finely for even distribution. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can increase the sugar slightly. These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. Serve them on a platter with other baked goods for a festive dessert table. They pair beautifully with the Old Fashion Peanut Butter Cake for a delightful variety of flavors. Drizzle a little icing on top for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm them in an oven set at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Recipe Fruit Cake Cookies contains roughly 265 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 substitute the margarine with butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter for richer flavor. Just be mindful that the texture may be slightly different, resulting in a more tender cookie.
What can I use instead of candied fruit?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use dried fruits like apricots or figs. Just chop them into small pieces similar in size to the candied fruit to maintain the cookie's texture.
Are these cookies suitable for special diets?
These cookies are not gluten-free due to the flour used, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities. They are not vegan either, but you can experiment with egg replacers for a vegan version.
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).