Rocks(Fruit Drop Cookies)
Crunchy, fruit-studded cookies with warm spices and nutmeats, perfect for holiday gatherings or teatime treats, appealing to those who enjoy rich, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup butter, softened ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water or sherry ⓘ
- 1 cup broken nutmeats ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins, figs, apricots or citron ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cream together the brown sugar and softened butter, adding sugar gradually.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until well combined.
- Resift the all-purpose flour with soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients in three parts to the butter mixture, alternately with water or sherry, beating until smooth after each addition.
- Stir in the broken nutmeats and dried fruits.
- Drop the batter from a teaspoon onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or substituting half of the raisins with dried cranberries for a tangy twist. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup. Make sure to sift the flour and spices together thoroughly to avoid clumps and ensure even distribution in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
These Fruit Drop Cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, serve alongside other baked goods like Grandma Hager'S Custard during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rocks(Fruit Drop Cookies) contains roughly 1104 calories, with 10g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2210mg per serving (96% 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 use fresh fruit instead of dried fruits?
Fresh fruits are not recommended as they contain too much moisture, which can alter the cookie's texture. Stick with dried fruits like raisins or apricots for the best results, as they provide concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To create a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure provided by gluten. The cookies will still be delicious and enjoyable!
What can I use instead of butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Just make sure the substitute is softened for easy creaming with the sugar, maintaining the texture of the cookies.
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).