Peanut Butter Fruit Drops Recipe
Prepare to indulge in a delightful treat with our Peanut Butter Fruit Drops, a simple and scrumptious cookie recipe that’s perfect for sharing. These sweet morsels combine creamy peanut butter, a touch of honey, and a medley of candied fruits, making them an irresistible addition to any cookie tray. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these chewy and flavorful cookies that are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- Creamy peanut butter – ½ cup
- Butter – ¼ cup, softened (or you can use margarine as a substitute)
- Margarine – ¼ cup, softened (if not using butter)
- Eggs – 2 large
- Honey – ½ cup
- Milk – ½ cup
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
- Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
- Candied fruits and peels – ½ cup, finely chopped
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, begin by beating together the creamy peanut butter and softened butter or margarine until smooth and well combined. The texture should be creamy and slightly fluffy.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, honey, and milk to the peanut butter mixture. Continue to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly blended. The mixture should be smooth and slightly liquidy.
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Add Candied Fruits:
- Gently fold in the finely chopped candied fruits and peels, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well to ensure the leavening agents and spices are evenly dispersed.
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Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, blending thoroughly after each addition. This will create a slightly thick and sticky dough.
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Shape and Bake:
- Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet, spacing each drop about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread and bake evenly.
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Baking Time:
- Place the cookie sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
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Cooling:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and enhances their flavor.
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Optional Garnish:
- For a decorative touch, you may choose to top each cookie with additional candied fruit before they cool completely. This step is optional but adds a delightful burst of color and extra sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fruit Drops:
- Consistency Matters: Ensure the peanut butter and butter or margarine are well mixed to avoid lumps in your dough.
- Mixing Well: The eggs, honey, and milk should be thoroughly incorporated into the peanut butter mixture to achieve a smooth texture.
- Even Spacing: Proper spacing on the cookie sheet is essential to prevent the cookies from merging together during baking.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cookies to cool on a wire rack ensures they set properly and are easier to handle.
Enjoy making and sharing these Peanut Butter Fruit Drops with friends and family. They’re not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. Happy baking! 🍪🎉
