Christmas Lizzies

Christmas Lizzies Recipe - Delicious Cookies from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Christmas Lizzies are a traditional holiday cookie that is packed full of fruits, nuts, and warm spices. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season.

History

Christmas Lizzies have been a popular holiday treat for generations. The recipe is believed to have originated in the United States and has been passed down through families for years. These cookies are often made in large batches and shared with friends and neighbors during the Christmas season.

Ingredients

0.5 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup butter
1.5 tsp soda
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
6 tbsp whiskey or brandy
1.5 tbsp buttermilk
1.5 cup flour, divided
0.5 lb (227 g) seedless white raisins
0.5 lb (227 g) chopped dates (optional)
1 lb (454 g) candied cherries cut in half
0.5 lb (227 g) chopped citron or 4 oz grated lemon peel plus
4 oz (113 g) grated orange peel
1 lb (454 g) pecans, chopped or halved

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Add the beaten eggs and mix well. Then, add the buttermilk, liquor, and half a cup of flour.
In a separate bowl, combine the fruits and pecans with the remaining one cup of flour. Mix them into the batter.
Drop tablespoonfuls of the batter (about the size of a small egg) onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 35 minutes.
Bake one sheet at a time. The remaining batter can either be kept in the mixing bowl or on the baking sheets without losing its quality.
Once done, allow the cookies to cool. Pack them in a shallow tin or another container, and cover with cheesecloth.
Drizzle whiskey and brandy over the cookies through the cheesecloth. Repeat this process every few days.
There is no need to refrigerate the cookies.
These cookies can be made three weeks ahead of Christmas.
They can be eaten immediately after cooling.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Swap out the candied cherries for dried cranberries for a tart twist.
Use rum or bourbon instead of brandy for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy for the best texture.

- Be sure to mix the fruits and nuts into the batter gently to avoid crushing them.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them to ensure they stay fresh.

- Drizzling whiskey and brandy over the cookies every few days helps to keep them moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Christmas Lizzies with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for a festive treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy is key to a tender cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any combination of dried fruits and nuts in this recipe to suit your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Lizzies can be made up to three weeks ahead of Christmas and stored in an airtight container.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Christmas Lizzies on a festive platter and garnish with sprigs of holly for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Christmas Lizzies with a cup of spiced tea or a glass of eggnog for a cozy holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Lizzies in a shallow tin or container covered with cheesecloth. They do not need to be refrigerated. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Lizzies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Lizzies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Lizzies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Lizzies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Lizzies are a good source of vitamin C from the fruits and nuts.

Alergens

Christmas Lizzies contain nuts and dairy.

Summary

Christmas Lizzies are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of vitamin C and provide a moderate amount of protein.

Summary

Christmas Lizzies are a classic holiday cookie that is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Packed full of fruits, nuts, and warm spices, these cookies are sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home.

How did I get this recipe?

. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a cold winter day, just a few weeks before Christmas, and I was in the mood for some baking. I had already made my usual Christmas cookies, but I wanted to try something new this year. So I decided to dig through my old recipe books and see if I could find something special.

As I flipped through the pages of my tattered old cookbooks, I came across a recipe for Christmas Lizzies. I had never heard of them before, but the ingredients sounded delicious - dried fruits, nuts, and spices all mixed together in a buttery dough. It sounded like the perfect treat for the holiday season.

I read through the recipe carefully, taking note of each step and ingredient. It seemed like a bit of a complicated recipe, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered up all the ingredients I would need and got to work in the kitchen.

As I mixed the dough together, the scent of the spices filled the air. The kitchen was warm and cozy, and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. I kneaded the dough until it was smooth and then added in the dried fruits and nuts. The dough was sticky and sweet, and I couldn't resist sneaking a taste before I shaped the cookies.

I rolled out the dough and used a cookie cutter to make little round shapes. I placed them on a baking sheet and popped them into the oven. The smell of the baking cookies filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to try them.

When the cookies were done, I took them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. They were a beautiful golden brown color, and they looked absolutely delicious. I couldn't wait to try one.

I took a bite of the Christmas Lizzie and closed my eyes, savoring the flavors. The combination of the dried fruits and nuts was perfect, and the spices added just the right amount of warmth. It was like Christmas in a cookie.

I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe. The Christmas Lizzies were a hit with my family and friends, and I made them every year since. They became a staple of our holiday celebrations, and I loved sharing them with everyone.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the recipe, adding in different fruits and nuts to make it my own. But the essence of the recipe remains the same - a delicious, festive treat that brings joy to all who try it.

I am grateful for that cold winter day when I stumbled upon the recipe for Christmas Lizzies. It has become a cherished tradition in our family, and I will continue to make them for years to come. Cooking is such a wonderful way to bring people together, and I am thankful for all the recipes and memories that have enriched my life.