Christmas Jewels Recipe - Festive Candied Fruit Cookies

Christmas Jewels

Christmas Jewels Recipe - Festive Candied Fruit Cookies
Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Christmas Jewels
Christmas Jewels

Christmas Jewels are a classic holiday treat that are perfect for festive gatherings and gift-giving. These delicious cookies are packed with candied fruit and warm spices, making them a favorite during the holiday season.

History

Christmas Jewels have been a popular holiday treat for generations, with their origins dating back to the early 20th century. The combination of sweet candied fruit and aromatic spices has made these cookies a beloved tradition in many households.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shortening, sugar, molasses, and egg.
  3. Stir the dry ingredients together, then blend them into the shortening mixture.
  4. Stir in the fruit.
  5. Drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture about 1 inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Variations

  • Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
  • Substitute the candied fruit with dried fruit for a different twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cream the shortening, sugar, and molasses together thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Use a mix of your favorite candied fruits for a colorful and flavorful cookie.

- Don't overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.

- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Jewels with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the shortening, sugar, and molasses together is key to creating a light and fluffy cookie texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe for a slightly different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Christmas Jewels ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Christmas Jewels on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Christmas Jewels with a glass of mulled wine or hot tea for a delightful holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Jewels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Jewels contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Jewels contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Jewels contains approximately 8g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Jewels contains approximately 1g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Jewels are a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C from the candied fruit.

Alergens

Christmas Jewels may contain allergens such as wheat (gluten) and eggs.

Summary

Christmas Jewels are a sweet and festive treat that are relatively low in calories but should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar content.

Summary

Christmas Jewels are a delightful holiday cookie packed with candied fruit and warm spices. These festive treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones and spreading holiday cheer.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was during a Christmas party at my friend's house, and her mother had made these delicious and colorful Christmas Jewels. I had never seen anything like it before - small, bite-sized treats that sparkled and shimmered in the holiday lights. I simply had to know how to make them.

As soon as I got home that night, I called my friend's mother and begged her for the recipe. She laughed and said she would be happy to share it with me. The next day, she came over to my house and taught me how to make these beautiful Christmas Jewels.

The recipe was surprisingly simple, but the end result was absolutely stunning. It involved mixing together marshmallows, cornflakes, and colored gelatin, then shaping the mixture into small balls and rolling them in sugar. The final touch was a sprinkle of edible glitter, which gave the treats their magical sparkle.

I made a batch of Christmas Jewels that year for my family, and they were a hit. Everyone loved the sweet and crunchy texture, as well as the festive colors and glitter. From then on, Christmas Jewels became a staple in our holiday baking repertoire.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to make it my own. I have experimented with different flavors of gelatin, added nuts and dried fruits for extra crunch and texture, and even tried using different shapes and sizes for the treats. But no matter how I change it up, the basic recipe remains the same - simple, delicious, and beautiful.

I have shared the recipe for Christmas Jewels with many friends and family members over the years, and it has become a beloved tradition in our household. Every Christmas, we gather in the kitchen and spend hours making these special treats together, laughing and reminiscing as we roll the sticky mixture into balls and coat them in sugar and glitter.

My grandchildren, in particular, love helping me make Christmas Jewels. They eagerly volunteer to stir the marshmallows and cornflakes, shape the mixture into balls, and sprinkle on the edible glitter. It warms my heart to see them enjoying the same recipe that has brought me so much joy over the years.

As I grow older, I find comfort in the familiar routine of making Christmas Jewels each holiday season. The smell of melting marshmallows and the sight of the colorful gelatin bring back memories of parties and gatherings long past, filling me with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude.

I am grateful for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me over the years, and for the joy and connection that food has brought into my life. Christmas Jewels will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the magic and warmth of the holiday season. And I will continue to make them, year after year, passing down the recipe and the tradition to future generations.

Categories

| Candied Fruit Recipes | Christmas Cookie Recipes | Egg Recipes | Mace Recipes | Molasses Recipes | Spice Cookie Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |

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