Fruit Cookies

A nice spice with candied fruit. The original recipe came from 1001 Cookie Recipe but over the years I have made a few changes. My family gives out cookies at Christmas time and this is one of the standard cookies. When I make them I use the candied fruit from our local spice importer. You may want to chop the fruit a little more.

• Ready In: 27 mins
• Yields: 4 dozen

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon ground mace
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2  teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1  cup vegetable shortening
• 2  cups dark brown sugar
• 3  large eggs
• 2  cups  candied fruit

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices.
3. In a large bowl, cream the shortening and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Fold in the candied fruit.
4. Drop mounds of dough from a small scoop or teaspoon 1 1/2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly brown on edges. Transfer to wire racks to cool.