Orchard Harvest Fruit Cookies
- Recipe Introduction
- Why These Fruit Cookies Are the Bees Knees
- What You'll Need For Amazing Fruit Cookies
- Ingredients & Equipment: Orchard Harvest Fruit Cookies
- Orchard Harvest Fruit Cookies: Sunshine in Every Bite!
- Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Orchard Harvest Fruit Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a fruit cookie that tastes like sunshine and happiness? Honestly, these Orchard Harvest Fruit Cookies are dead easy to make! They’re packed with flavour and a satisfying chewy texture.
Brief Overview
These beauties came about after an epic fruit picking session. They're based on a classic shortbread, but with a fruity twist.
This recipe is super easy and only takes about an hour. You'll get about 24 yummy fruit cookies .
Main Benefits
These cookies are bursting with natural sweetness and fibre. They're perfect for afternoon tea, a lunchbox treat or even as birthday snack food .
What makes them special? They're like a warm hug in every bite.
Why These Fruit Cookies Are the Bees Knees
Sometimes you just need something comforting. These aren't just any fruit cookies ; they're a taste of home. I reckon dried fruit cookies recipe versions are good, but nothing beats fresh fruit in the mix.
Think of these as the gathering dessert ideas champion.
What You'll Need For Amazing Fruit Cookies
Ready to dive in? You'll need butter, sugar, an egg, and flour for the dough. Don't forget your baking soda, salt, and vanilla.
For the fruit, we're using dried apricots, raisins, and fresh apple. A squeeze of lemon juice brings it all together.
Some chopped walnuts or pecans are an optional touch. You might want to also consider to produce some cookie tarts recipes if you want something slightly different.
Ingredients & Equipment: Orchard Harvest Fruit Cookies
Ready to bake some sunshine? These fruit cookies are packed with flavor. Honestly, it's one of my favorite gathering dessert ideas .
Let's check what you'll need. These are way better than any store-bought fruit birthday desserts .
Main Ingredients
Okay, gather these ingredients. Don't worry, it's pretty straightforward.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) 227g , softened. It should be soft, not melted!
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup 100g
- Light brown sugar: ¼ cup 50g , packed.
- Large egg: 1
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups 300g , plus extra for dusting.
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Dried apricots: ½ cup 75g , chopped.
- Raisins or sultanas: ½ cup 75g
- Fresh apple or pear: ½ cup 75g , chopped.
- Walnuts or pecans: ¼ cup 30g , chopped (optional).
- Lemon juice: 1 Tablespoon 15ml
The butter quality matters! Go for a good brand with a high fat content. It makes all the difference for these soft fruit cookies .
I love using Granny Smith apples for a nice tang. You could also use some apple cinnamon cookies .
Seasoning Notes
Want to take your fruit cookies to the next level? Try these combos!
- Essential spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. Just ½ teaspoon can transform the flavor.
- Flavor enhancer: Lemon zest. Trust me, it adds a brightness that's amazing.
- Aromatics: A dash of almond extract instead of vanilla. It gives it a Bakewell vibe, innit?
For a bit of summer fruit cookies , consider adding zest of lime. Dried fruit cookies recipe are so amazing, so don't skip fruit.
Equipment Needed
Good news! You don't need fancy equipment. Just the basics.
- Electric mixer: Stand or hand held. Your arms will thank you.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons. Essential, obviously!
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Prevents sticking.
- Wire rack. For cooling.
- Cookie scoop: Optional, but it helps with uniform cookies.
Don't have baking mats? Grease the baking sheet really well. That works too! You can almost make a cookie tarts recipes with the right mould.
I once tried using a muffin tin, honestly it was a disaster. Now that you have all the ingredients and tools, prepare for making your favourite birthday snack food and appetizer with fruit .
Orchard Harvest Fruit Cookies: Sunshine in Every Bite!
These fruit cookies are seriously addictive! I've been making these for ages. They’re based on a classic shortbread. But with a twist of both fresh and dried fruit! They're super chewy and have a burst of natural sweetness.
I started making these when I had loads of leftover fruit. It's the perfect use for a glut of late summer fruit.
These fruit cookies are awesome with a cuppa. Plus they're also a delightful addition to lunchboxes. Perfect for gathering dessert ideas , don't you think? They always disappear quickly!
Prep Steps: Get Your Fruit Ready!
- Essential Mise en Place: First things first! Get your ingredients measured out and ready to go. It's all about being organized! Chop ½ cup (75g) of dried apricots, ½ cup (75g) of raisins, and ½ cup (75g) of apple or pear. Also, chop ¼ cup (30g) of walnuts if using.
- Time Saving Tip: Chop the fruit ahead of time. This saves you precious minutes when you’re ready to bake these soft fruit cookies .
- Safety Reminder: Watch your fingers when chopping! Nobody wants a finger cookie instead.
step-by-step: Let's Bake!
- Macerate the Fruit: Combine chopped dried and fresh fruits with 1 Tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice. Set aside.
- Cream: Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) (227g) softened butter, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, and ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the Wet Stuff: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Goods: Whisk together 2 ½ cups (300g) flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry to the wet, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Fruit: Gently fold in the macerated summer fruit cookies mixture (and nuts) until evenly distributed.
- Chill Out: Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes .
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Bake for 12- 15 minutes , until golden brown.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Baking!
- Soft Butter is Key: Butter should be softened, not melted. Honestly, this makes a difference.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing creates tough cookies.
- make-ahead Option: You can chill the dough overnight! This helps the flavors develop and they are a perfect birthday snack food . You can create fruit birthday desserts ! Also, experiment with different dried fruit cookies recipes like apple cinnamon cookies or even Oatmeal raisin fruit cookies . You can even use these cookies to recreate delicious Cookie Tarts Recipes or serve them as an interesting Appetizer With Fruit . If you are looking for gathering dessert ideas this might be your go-to recipe!
Enjoy these fruit cookies !
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Orchard Harvest Fruit Cookies
Honestly, these fruit cookies are pretty straightforward. But, a few tips will make them amazing .
Ace Your Presentation: Plating and Pairing
Right, so you've baked these beauts. Now what? For plating, think simple. A nice plate, dusted with icing sugar does the trick.
It makes these fruit birthday desserts look proper fancy. Serving wise, you can't go wrong with a cuppa. Earl Grey, English Breakfast.
Even a herbal tea would be lush. If it's summer, iced coffee is brilliant with these. For a gathering dessert idea , stack them high on a cake stand! These are perfect for any birthday snack food .
If you're after something before the main dessert, you could even class them as a cheeky appetizer with fruit .
Storing Like a Pro: Keep 'Em Fresh
These soft fruit cookies are best enjoyed fresh. But, they'll keep for about 3 days in an airtight container. They're fruit cookies .
They love a cool spot. Pop them in the fridge. Want to keep them longer? Freezing is your friend. Wrap them well.
They'll be fine for up to a month. To reheat, just let them thaw at room temperature. Or, if you're impatient (like me), a quick blast in the microwave works a treat.
Mix It Up: Variations for Every Palate
Fancy a twist? For a summer fruit cookies version, chuck in some chopped strawberries or raspberries. You could even add a bit of lemon zest for a zing.
Got someone who's gluten-free? Swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Might need to add a touch more liquid.
Not much though. If it is an apple cinnamon cookies version you are looking for, then add one-half teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cookie mixture and add chopped apple instead of pear.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
Ok, so these are cookies. They're not exactly a health food. But, they do have some good bits. The fruit gives you a bit of fiber.
Walnuts are a good source of healthy fats. Each cookie's about 150 calories. Not bad for a treat, eh? And there you have it these cookies are not only good but also a nutritious version with dried fruit cookies recipe
Making cookies can be a lot of fun! Don't worry if yours don't look perfect the first time. This oatmeal raisin fruit cookies version takes some getting used to but I'm sure you will get there.
The most important thing is that they taste great! And, honestly, homemade anything always tastes better, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the fruits in these fruit cookies?
Absolutely! Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your fruit preferences. Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even candied peel would be fantastic additions. Just keep the total fruit quantity roughly the same to maintain the correct dough consistency, otherwise you might end up with a right royal mess!
My fruit cookie dough is too sticky. What did I do wrong?
A sticky dough usually means either the butter was too soft, or you didn't measure the flour accurately. Ensure your butter is softened but still cool, and use the 'spoon and level' method when measuring flour. Pop the dough back in the fridge for another 30 minutes to firm up. That should sort you right out!
How should I store these scrumptious fruit cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your fruit cookies tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months; just make sure they are properly sealed to avoid freezer burn.
Are there any variations I can try with this fruit cookies recipe?
Oh, loads! For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice to the dough. You could also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a touch of extra indulgence. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, try adding a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the fruit mixture for a grown-up flavour!
Can I make these fruit cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can definitely make these cookies gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn't already contain it, as this will help with the cookie's structure.
Keep an eye on the dough’s consistency you may need to add a splash of milk if it seems too dry.
Orchard Harvest Fruit Cookies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
