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–+ servings
Typed recipe for frozen candied fruit cookies
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Freezing time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 28 minutes
Course Baked Goods
Cuisine American
Servings 120 cookies
Calories 25 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted )
  • 1 egg
  • 2½ cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon 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

  • Storage: Freeze extra dough logs for future use. Slice and bake as needed.
  • Flavor twist: Add a splash of almond extract for a richer taste.
  • Topping idea: Lightly dust baked cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 25kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.005gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 16mgPotassium: 8mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword candied fruit, Christmas, cookie, pecans
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