Boston Fruit Cookies are a vintage New England favorite known for their comforting, old-fashioned sweetness and soft, chewy texture. This classic recipe blends brown sugar, raisins, and walnuts into a rich cookie dough made with shortening for a tender crumb. The name “Boston Fruit Cookies” likely stems from their roots in New England’s historic baking traditions, where dried fruits and nuts were popular pantry staples. These cookies strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and satisfying sweetness, making them ideal for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 3 eggs (large)
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups raisins (cooked and drained)
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda (heaping)
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare Raisins
- In a small saucepan, boil the raisins until plump. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 7: Add Raisins and Walnuts
- Fold in the prepared raisins and chopped walnuts.
Step 8: Form Cookies
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 10: Cool
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips
- Substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.
- Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dates for extra texture.
- For a festive twist, drizzle with lemon or vanilla glaze after cooling.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts if preferred.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 20IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.7mg
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