“Christmas Rocks” is a charming, old-fashioned cookie recipe filled with holiday spices, dried fruits, and nuts, perfect for festive gatherings. Its whimsical name likely refers to the chunky, textured appearance of the cookies. Bursting with dates, raisins, and walnuts, these cookies have been a seasonal favorite in many American homes. Their warm spices and rich texture evoke the flavors of traditional Christmas baking, making them a must-have for cookie exchanges or cozy evenings by the fire.
Ingredients
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 3 eggs (well beaten)
- ¾ cup sour milk (or ¾ cup milk + 2 tsp vinegar)
- 3½ cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 4 cloves cloves (ground or crushed)
- 1 cup seeded raisins
- 1 pound dried dates (chopped)
- ½ lb walnut meats (chopped)
- 1 tsp soda (baking soda)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Base
- Cream the brown sugar and butter together until fluffy.
- Add the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly.
Step 2: Add Milk
- Stir in the sour milk.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Step 4: Fold in Mix-ins
- Add chopped dates, raisins, and walnuts.
- Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Cool on wire racks.
Tips
- Swap walnuts with pecans for a Southern twist
- Add a splash of vanilla for added depth
- Use pre-chopped dates and pre-toasted nuts for convenience
- Sprinkle tops with powdered sugar for a festive look
Nutrition
Calories: 311kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 104mgPotassium: 233mgFiber: 3gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 73IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 2mg
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