Chewy and spicy, these frosted fruit cookies make good Christmas cookies.
INGREDIENTS (for 3 servings):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup dried figs
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 teaspoons milk
PREPARATION:
In a food processor or with the fine blade of a food grinder, process or grind raisins, figs, dates and walnuts.
In a large mixing bowl beat butter until softened. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add eggs and beat well.
In a mixing bowl stir together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Add flour mixture and beat until well mixed.
Stir in ground fruit mixture. Divide dough in half; cover and chill several hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheet.
On a well floured surface roll dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut into rounds with a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minute or until done. Cool on cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes, then remove and cool thoroughly on rack.
Combine 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon softened butter or margarine, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and enough milk (4-5 tsp) to make icing of drizzling consistency.