Sister Barbara'S Fruitcake Cookies
Sister Barbara's Fruitcake Cookies are rich, chewy treats packed with candied fruits and nuts, offering festive flavors perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine pecans, candied cherries, candied pineapple, chopped dates, and raisins with 1/4 cup plain flour. Mix to coat.
- Set the coated fruit and nut mixture aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together margarine and brown sugar.
- Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, and mix well.
- In a different bowl, whisk together remaining flour, soda, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Stir in the coated fruit and nut mixture.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts can be a great alternative. Ensure to coat the fruits and nuts well with flour to prevent them from sinking during baking. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using orange juice instead of grape juice.
Serving Suggestions
These fruitcake cookies make a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter with Aunt Grace's Banana Pudding for dessert. They can also be a wonderful addition to holiday cookie assortments or shared during gatherings, offering a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with other holiday sweets.
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-safe bag. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 5-10 minutes until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sister Barbara'S Fruitcake Cookies contains roughly 2134 calories, with 17g protein, 370g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 801mg per serving (35% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to allow them to cool completely before storing.
What can I use instead of candied fruit?
If you prefer, you can substitute the candied fruit with dried fruit such as apricots or figs. This will result in a slightly different texture and flavor but will still be delicious. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a different twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies will be done when they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes, as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven. Allow them to cool a bit on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
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).