Mc Calls Christmas Cookies

Submitted by CindiJ

"My family has made these since I can remember. Growing up we (the kids) hated these cookies, after growing up we love them! They are very colorful and can be frozen with good results."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Yields: 150-170 cookies

ingredients

• 2 lbs dates, chopped
• 1⁄2 lb candied cherry, chopped
• 1⁄2 lb candied pineapple, chopped
• 1⁄2 lb almonds, blanched and chopped
• 1⁄2 lb brazil nut, chopped
• 2 1⁄2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup butter
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs

directions

1. Prepare candied fruits and chop (shell if you buy whole) all the nuts. Toss lightly together and set aside.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. Pour over fruits and nuts and toss lightly to coat each and every piece.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
4. Using your stand mixer and paddle attachment, in large bowl cream butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until quite smooth. Add eggs, one at a time and beat throughly after each addition.
5. Stir in chopped fruits, nuts and flour mixture; blending well.
6. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet (can line with parchment paper). Do not crowd the cookies. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly golden. [b]DO NOT OVERBAKE[/b].
7. Remove from oven, let cool slightly and then remove from cookie sheet onto cooling rack. Let cool completely then store in air-tight container.