Southern Spiced Nutty Delight Cookies
These Southern Spiced Nutty Delight Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, blending a delightful mix of spices with a rich batter filled with generous chunks of walnuts, dates, and raisins. Originating from a memorable cookie exchange, this family-favorite recipe has become a festive tradition, making its way into homes year after year. The combination of warm spices and the chewiness of dried fruits creates an irresistible cookie that will surely impress friends and family this holiday season. With a massive yield of 13 dozen, there's plenty to share or indulge in yourself. Whether enjoyed with a cozy cup of tea or gifted to loved ones, these cookies capture the essence of holiday joy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
4 (beaten)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
ground cloves
2 teaspoons (freshly ground)
nuts
2 lbs (chopped (walnuts or your choice))
butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups (melted)
raisins
1 lb (seedless)
dates
1 lb (chopped)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (dissolved in hot water)
flour
3 cups (all-purpose)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (or 350°F if you prefer a crispier cookie).
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until fluffy.
3
Gradually add in the sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves, mixing well until fully incorporated.
4
Stir in the chopped nuts and melted butter (or margarine) into the egg mixture.
5
Add the raisins and chopped dates, folding them gently into the batter.
6
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in a splash of hot water, then mix this into the cookie batter.
7
Sift in the flour, adding it gradually while mixing until the dough comes together into a thick batter.
8
Drop heaping teaspoons of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes at 350°F or 15 minutes at 325°F for a softer texture.
10
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Spiced Nutty Delight Cookies?
They are a traditional holiday treat featuring a spiced batter filled with walnuts, dates, and raisins.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe produces a large batch of approximately 13 dozen cookies.
What ingredients are needed for Southern Spiced Nutty Delight Cookies?
You will need 4 eggs, 2 cups sugar, cinnamon, cloves, 2 lbs of nuts, 1.5 cups butter, 1 lb raisins, 1 lb dates, baking soda, and 3 cups of flour.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The eggs should be beaten thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until they are fluffy.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of ground cloves.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 1 1/2 cups of melted butter or melted margarine.
What kind of nuts are recommended?
The recipe suggests 2 lbs of chopped walnuts, though you may use your choice of nuts.
What type of flour is used in these cookies?
The recipe requires 3 cups of all-purpose flour, which should be sifted into the mixture.
What dried fruits are added to the batter?
The cookies contain 1 lb of seedless raisins and 1 lb of chopped dates.
How is the baking soda added to the dough?
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a splash of hot water before mixing it into the cookie batter.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for a softer cookie or 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispier result.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake for 12 minutes if using a 350 degree oven, or 15 minutes if using a 325 degree oven.
Should the baking sheets be greased?
No, the dough should be dropped onto ungreased baking sheets.
How much dough should I use for each cookie?
Drop heaping teaspoons of dough onto the baking sheets.
How far apart should the cookies be spaced?
Space the dough drops about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool completely.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe originated from a memorable cookie exchange and has since become a family tradition.
What is the texture of these cookies?
The cookies are chewy due to the dried fruits and can be made soft or crispy depending on the bake temperature.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, with a yield of 13 dozen, they are perfect for gifting to friends and family during the holiday season.
What should I serve with these cookies?
They are delicious when enjoyed with a cozy cup of tea.
Is this a Texas-style recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a Texas Christmas recipe and a Southern favorite.
What type of raisins are best?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of seedless raisins.
How is the batter described?
The dough comes together into a thick batter after the flour is gradually mixed in.
Are these considered drop cookies?
Yes, they are categorized as drop cookies because the dough is dropped by the teaspoonful onto the baking sheet.
How do I incorporate the sugar and spices?
Gradually add the sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to the beaten eggs, mixing well until fully incorporated.
What makes the cookies festive?
The combination of warm holiday spices like cinnamon and cloves along with walnuts and dates gives them a festive flavor.
Can I use fresh spices?
Yes, the recipe suggests using freshly ground cinnamon and ground cloves for the best flavor.
How do I add the nuts and butter?
Stir the chopped nuts and melted butter directly into the egg and sugar mixture.
What is the final step before baking?
The final step is to drop heaping teaspoons of dough onto the baking sheets and bake at your chosen temperature.
Is this recipe intended for large groups?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a 'large batch' recipe, ideal for parties or holiday events.