Frozen Candied Fruit Cookies are a cherished vintage American treat often linked with the holiday season. Popularized in mid-20th century kitchens, especially during Christmas, these cookies reflect a time when candied fruits and nuts were luxury ingredients saved for special occasions. The “slice-and-bake” method made them easy to prepare ahead of time, fitting the busy holiday schedule. With roots in traditional fruitcake flavors but in cookie form, they offer a festive, chewy, and colorful bite that appeals across generations. This recipe was frequently clipped from magazines or passed down in family recipe boxes, becoming a staple at cookie swaps and holiday platters.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted )
- 1 egg
- 2½ cups flour
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- ½ cup pecans (chopped)
- ½ cup candied fruit (chopped, or citron)
- ½ cup candied cherries (whole )
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Cream butter or margarine with sifted confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
- Gradually stir in the flour and cream of tartar to form the dough base.
Step 3: Incorporate Fruits and Nuts
- Mix in chopped pecans, candied fruit or citron, and whole candied cherries.
Step 4: Shape and Freeze
- Divide dough into portions and form each into a roll approximately 1½ inches in diameter.
- Wrap tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap and freeze until firm (at least 2 hours).
Step 5: Slice and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice frozen dough rolls very thinly.
- Place slices on a greased baking sheet and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Tips
- Substitute almonds or walnuts for pecans for a different flavor.
- Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for extra aroma.
- Swap candied cherries with dried cranberries for a tangier twist.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 baking blend flour substitute.
- Store dough tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Roll dough in shredded coconut before slicing for a festive look.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookieCalories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.2mg
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