Holiday Fruit Cookies

Old-fashioned holiday fruitcake cookies loaded with colorful candied fruits, dates and pecans.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups vegetable shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
8 ounces dates, chopped
4 ounces candied pineapple, chopped
4 ounces candied green cherries, chopped
4 ounces candied red cherries, chopped
2 cups pecans, chopped

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet; set aside.
2. In a bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, blend together shortening and sugar. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla; mix well. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Stir in dates, pineapple, green cherries, red cherries and pecans until thoroughly combined. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Makes 60 cookies.