Fruit Cookies

Fruit Cookies Recipe from Persia with Brown Sugar, Raisins, and English Walnuts

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Fruit cookies are a delicious and sweet treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are packed with flavor from raisins, nuts, and a blend of spices that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, fruit cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Fruit cookies have been a popular treat for many years, with variations of the recipe dating back to the early 1900s. Originally made with simple ingredients like sugar, flour, and dried fruits, fruit cookies have evolved over time to include a variety of nuts, spices, and other add-ins. Today, fruit cookies are enjoyed by people all over the world and are a staple in many households.

Ingredients

1 tsp salt
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup crisco
1 cup chopped raisins
1 cup chopped english walnut meats
3 eggs
1 tsp powdered cinnamon
0.5 tsp powdered allspice
1 tsp powdered ginger
1.5 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp sour milk
flour

How to prepare

Cream Crisco and sugar together.
Add salt, well-beaten eggs, soda mixed with milk, spices, raisins, nuts, and enough flour to make stiff dough. About 5 cupfuls of flour will be sufficient.
Roll out the dough and cut with a cookie cutter.
Lay the dough on Criscoed tins and bake in a moderate oven for ten to twelve minutes.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the Crisco and sugar together thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to mix the baking soda with the sour milk before adding it to the dough to activate the leavening agent.

- Use a cookie cutter to create uniform shapes for a professional-looking finish.

- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to prevent them from burning. They should be golden brown when done.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy fruit cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the Crisco and sugar together creates a light and fluffy texture.

- Rolling out the dough and cutting with a cookie cutter ensures uniform shapes.

- Baking the cookies in a moderate oven ensures even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of Crisco for a richer flavor.

- Substitute the raisins with dried apricots or figs for a different taste.

- Use almond or coconut milk instead of sour milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fruit cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair fruit cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fruit cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fruit cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fruit cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of fruit cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fruit cookies are a good source of iron, vitamin E, and magnesium.

Alergens

Fruit cookies may contain nuts and dairy products.

Summary

Fruit cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They also provide a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fruit cookies are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavor from raisins, nuts, and spices, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delicious snack or dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Fruit Cookies. It was a warm summer day, and the sun was streaming through the windows of my grandmother's kitchen. I was just a young girl at the time, eagerly watching as she pulled out an old recipe book from the top shelf of her cupboard.

"Ah, here it is," she said with a smile, flipping through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for. "Fruit Cookies."

I remember being intrigued by the name. Fruit Cookies? I had never heard of such a thing before. But as my grandmother began to read out the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to give them a try.

The recipe called for a mix of dried fruits - raisins, apricots, and cranberries - as well as nuts and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The dough was a simple mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, with the fruit and nuts folded in at the end. It seemed like a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As my grandmother began to mix the ingredients together, she told me the story of how she had come across this recipe. It had been passed down through her family for generations, she said, each baker adding their own twist to make it their own. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had learned it from hers, and so on.

Over the years, my grandmother had made these Fruit Cookies for countless family gatherings and special occasions. They had become a beloved tradition in our family, always met with smiles and eager hands reaching for seconds. And now, she was passing the recipe down to me, her eager young granddaughter, ready to learn the secrets of this delicious treat.

As the cookies baked in the oven, the sweet scent of cinnamon and fruit filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were finally done, my grandmother pulled them out of the oven and placed them on a cooling rack to cool.

"Would you like to try one?" she asked, holding out a warm cookie for me to taste.

I eagerly took a bite, savoring the chewy texture of the dried fruits and the crunch of the nuts. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and nutmeg. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen for years to come.

From that day on, I made Fruit Cookies regularly, always following my grandmother's recipe to the letter. I added my own little touches here and there, experimenting with different types of dried fruits and nuts to make the recipe my own. But no matter how many times I made them, they always brought back memories of that warm summer day in my grandmother's kitchen, learning the secrets of this delicious treat from the woman who had taught me so much about cooking and baking.

As I grew older, I continued to make Fruit Cookies for family gatherings and holidays, passing on the recipe to my own children and grandchildren. It had become a cherished tradition in our family, a way to celebrate our shared history and the love we had for each other.

And every time I took a bite of one of those sweet, chewy cookies, I couldn't help but smile, remembering the moment I first laid eyes on that old recipe book in my grandmother's kitchen, and the magical journey it had taken me on ever since.