Chewy Christmas Cookies

Chewy cookies full of dates, nuts, raisins and candied cherries, but no citron. Given to me by my Kentucky friend Shirley Taylor.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 114 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 cups chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 egg whites
• ½ cup chopped pitted dates
• 1 pound golden raisins
• ½ pound candied cherries
• 2 cups brown sugar
• ½ pound red candied cherries
• ¼ cup grape juice

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the golden raisins, dates, red and green candied cherries, pecans and grape juice. Set aside to soak. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and egg yolks until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, baking soda and baking powder; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the dried fruit mixture. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks; fold into the dough. Scoop cookies with a small ice cream scoop onto prepared cookie sheets. Pat down slightly.

Step 3

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.