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–+ servings
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 25 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Freezing time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 33 minutes
Course snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 120 cookies
Calories 90 kcal

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
Keyword candied fruit, Christmas, christmas cookies, cookie, freezer cookies, holiday cookies, pecans, slice and bake, vintage baking
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