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–+ servings
Christmas Rocks
“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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 311 kcal

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

  • Add chopped candied cherries for a more festive color.
  • Substitute pecans for walnuts or use a mix of both.
  • Replace sour milk with buttermilk for a richer texture.
  • Add ½ tsp vanilla extract for extra warmth.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes if cookies spread too much.
  • Swap raisins for golden raisins or currants.
  • Add a pinch of allspice for deeper spice flavor.
  • For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake by 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for sweetness.

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
Keyword Christmas, cookies, fruit cookies, heirloom recipe, holiday, nuts and fruit, old fashioned, vintage
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