Family-style cookies

Delicious Family-Style Cookies Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 7.5 dozen

Introduction

Family-style cookies are a delicious and wholesome treat that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Packed with nutritious ingredients like carrots, dates, and walnuts, these cookies are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

History

Family-style cookies have been a beloved recipe passed down through generations in many households. The combination of fruits, nuts, and spices in these cookies creates a unique and flavorful treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 cup carrots, pared, cut up
1 large apple, cored, cut into wedges, do not peel
1 large orange, cut into wedges, do not peel
1 cup dates, pitted, cut up
1 cup raisins
4.5 cups unbleached flour, sifted
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
0.25 tsp ground allspice
0.25 tsp ground cloves
1 cup butter or regular margarine
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup walnuts, chopped

How to prepare

Grind the carrots, apple, orange, dates, and raisins together in a food grinder, using the medium blade.
Set aside.
Sift the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt together, blending well, then set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer set on medium speed.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, blending well.
Stir in the ground fruit mixture and the walnuts.
Drop the mixture by teaspoonfuls, about 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove the cookies from the baking sheets and cool on wire racks.
Makes 7.5 dozen cookies.

Variations

Feel free to customize your family-style cookies by adding in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your family-style cookies turn out perfectly every time, be sure to grind the fruits and nuts together thoroughly for a uniform texture. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Family-style cookies are perfect for enjoying with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a cozy and comforting snack.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully to ensure that your family-style cookies turn out perfectly every time. From grinding the fruits and nuts to baking at the right temperature, each step is important for a successful batch of cookies.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, feel free to substitute ingredients in the recipe to suit your needs. For example, you can use butter instead of margarine or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

Family-style cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange your family-style cookies on a decorative platter or cookie tin for a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress your guests.

Pairing Recommendations

Family-style cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store your family-style cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave for a few seconds until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of family-style cookies contains approximately 150 calories, making them a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of family-style cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates, making them a satisfying and energy-boosting snack.

Fats

With a combination of healthy fats from walnuts and margarine, family-style cookies provide a good source of essential fatty acids for overall health.

Proteins

Each serving of family-style cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein, making them a nutritious and filling treat.

Vitamins and minerals

Family-style cookies are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A from the carrots and vitamin C from the oranges.

Alergens

Family-style cookies contain nuts and dairy, so be sure to check for any allergies before serving to guests.

Summary

Overall, family-style cookies are a nutritious and delicious treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family in moderation.

Summary

Family-style cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Family-style cookies. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who lived in a charming little cottage just outside of town. Margaret was known for her delicious baked goods, and I had been begging her for weeks to share her secret recipe for these delectable cookies.

As soon as I walked into Margaret's kitchen, I could smell the sweet aroma of butter and sugar wafting through the air. She greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, knowing exactly why I had come over that day.

"Ah, I see you're here for the famous family-style cookies recipe," Margaret said, chuckling as she gestured towards a well-worn recipe card on her kitchen counter.

I eagerly picked up the card and scanned over the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of sinking my teeth into one of these cookies. The recipe was simple yet intriguing, with a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that promised to satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds.

Margaret must have sensed my excitement, as she offered to walk me through the recipe step by step. As we worked together in her cozy kitchen, she shared stories of how she had acquired the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

"My grandmother used to make these cookies for our family gatherings," Margaret explained, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "They were always a hit, and everyone would line up for seconds and thirds. I've added my own little twist to the recipe over the years, but the basic ingredients and method remain the same."

As we mixed the flour, sugar, and butter together, Margaret shared tips and tricks for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. She emphasized the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Once the dough was ready, we scooped out generous portions onto baking sheets and popped them into the oven. The smell of warm cookies filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As we waited for the cookies to bake, Margaret regaled me with stories of her childhood and the cherished memories she had of baking with her grandmother. She spoke of lazy summer afternoons spent in the kitchen, flour-dusted and happy, creating treats to share with loved ones.

When the timer finally dinged, we pulled the cookies out of the oven, golden brown and fragrant. Margaret insisted we let them cool slightly before indulging, as the flavors would meld together beautifully with a bit of patience.

As we sat at her kitchen table, savoring the warm cookies and sipping on cups of tea, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience of learning this recipe from such a dear friend. The cookies were everything I had hoped for and more – buttery, chewy, and utterly irresistible.

Before I left Margaret's cottage that day, she handed me a copy of the recipe card, telling me that it was now my turn to share the joy of family-style cookies with my loved ones. I promised to do just that, knowing that this recipe would become a treasured tradition in my own family for years to come.

And so, whenever I bake a batch of family-style cookies, I think back to that sunny afternoon in Margaret's kitchen and the warmth and love that went into creating them. I am forever grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories that it holds – a reminder of the simple pleasures of good food and good company.