Noel Rocks (cookies)

Another prize-winner from the Chicago Tribune's weekly $5 Favorite Recipe contest, this one dates from December 1, 1968. The recipe poster said these were a favorite Christmas cookie in her family. From my Great Aunt's recipe collection.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 39
• Yields: 78 cookies

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter
• 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 2  large eggs
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  strong brewed coffee
• 1 1⁄2 cups  sifted all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground mace
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1⁄2 lb  coarsely chopped walnuts or 1⁄2 lb pecans
• 1  lb  mixed  candied fruit, chopped

Directions

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs and coffee; beat well.
3. Sift together dry ingredients.
4. Measure out 1/4 cup of the flour mixture and dredge the fruit and nuts in it.
5. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and beat until belnded.
6. Stir in fruit& nuts.
7. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets, 2" apart.
8. Bake in a preheated 325 F oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.