Shelia'S Cookies
Shelia's Cookies are rich, fruit-filled treats with a festive blend of candied pineapple, dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for special occasions and holiday baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat candied pineapple, chopped dates, diced cherries, raisins, and chopped pecans with 1 cup plain flour.
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and egg yolks until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the remaining flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dissolved soda (soda in milk) to the mixture.
- Fold in the beaten egg whites gently until well combined.
- Drop teaspoon-sized portions of the batter onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool, then place in airtight containers with paper towels between layers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using fresh pineapple instead of candied. You can substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the mix. Ensure that all fruits are well-coated in flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a Breakfast Spread or as part of a dessert platter. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes. Consider adding them to holiday cookie trays for a colorful variety.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer the cookies with paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain crispness. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate or freeze them. To reheat, simply warm them in a low oven for a few minutes to regain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shelia'S Cookies contains roughly 5491 calories, with 68g protein, 518g carbohydrates, and 376g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (221% of the Daily Value), protein (137% of the Daily Value), and iron (128% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1579mg per serving (69% 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 different types of dried fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, for the dates or cherries. Just ensure that the total weight remains the same to maintain the cookie's texture and moisture.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to scoop onto the cookie sheet. You can also dust your hands with flour while shaping the cookies.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top once they’ve cooled. You could also incorporate seasonal spices like ginger or cloves, or add colored sprinkles for a holiday touch.
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).