Refrigerator Fruit Cake Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Refrigerator Fruit Cake Cookies are sweet, chewy treats packed with candied cherries, dates, pecans, and vanilla wafers, perfect for fruit cake lovers and festive occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box vanilla wafers
  • 4 cups chopped pecans
  • 1/2 pound chopped green candied cherries
  • 1/2 pound chopped red candied cherries
  • 1 box chopped dates
  • 1 can Eagle Brand milk

Instructions

  1. Crush vanilla wafers and reserve 1/2 cup of crumbs to roll logs in.
  2. Add chopped pecans, candied green cherries, candied red cherries, chopped dates, and all other dry ingredients.
  3. Drizzle Eagle Brand milk over the mixture and stir until well combined.
  4. Form the mixture into logs.
  5. Roll the logs in the reserved wafer crumbs.
  6. Store in the refrigerator until firm, then slice to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, consider adding mini chocolate chips or swapping out the pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped dates or even dried fruits like apricots. Ensure that the mixture is well combined to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. These cookies are perfect for gift-giving during the holidays!

Serving Suggestions

These Refrigerator Fruit Cake Cookies are delightful on their own but can also be paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a cheese platter or with a bowl of Pan-Fried Onion Dip for a savory contrast. They also make a great addition to a dessert table featuring American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store the fruit cake logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks. For serving, slice the logs into rounds after chilling. If you want to soften them slightly before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Refrigerator Fruit Cake Cookies contains roughly 2032 calories, with 25g protein, 301g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1253mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

2032 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.3g 51% DV
Total Fat 88.5g 100% DV
Carbs 301.3g 100% DV
Fiber 15.2g 54% DV
Sugar 176g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1253.1mg 54% DV
Potassium 1115.7mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 128.4mg 43% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 218.4mcg 24% DV
Vitamin C 16.8mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 1.7mcg 9% DV
Calcium 589.8mg 45% DV
Iron 14.1mg 78% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 different nuts or fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the pecans with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. You can also mix in dried cranberries or raisins instead of the candied cherries for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How do I know when the logs are firm enough to slice?

After chilling in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, the logs should feel firm to the touch. They should hold their shape when sliced. If they are still too soft, let them chill a bit longer until they reach the desired consistency.

Can I freeze these cookies for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the fruit cake logs! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.

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).

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