Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups mincemeat
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the mincemeat until evenly distributed.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 3 dozen cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 tsp.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- If you don't have mincemeat, you can substitute with fruit preserves or jam.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle the cookies with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and fluffy dough.
- Don't overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, or the cookies may become tough.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure even-sized cookies.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the cookies, place them in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter or cookie tray and dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Top the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- If the cookies are too dry or crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough to help bind it together.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw dough to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Mincemeat is a traditional British filling made from a mixture of chopped dried fruit, spices, and sometimes meat. It was originally used as a way to preserve meat during the winter months, but over time, the meat was replaced with suet or vegetable shortening. Mincemeat is often used in pies and tarts, but it also makes a delicious addition to cookies.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of spice from the mincemeat.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea parties.
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