Irish Christmas Cookies, Warm from the oven

The sure sign that Christmas is coming is when the very first batch of cookies appeared from the oven! Many favorite Irish cookies baked in the homes of families throughout the Brandywine Valley are filled with Irish Cream or whiskey and candied fruits.

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated Sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Irish whiskey
• 1/4 cup candied citron, chopped
• 1/4 cup golden raisins, blanched and chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and prepare two greased cookie sheets; set aside.

2. In a small mixing bowl, cream together the butter and the sugar.

3. Beat in the eggs until well blended. Add the flour and the Irish whiskey, and beat the dough until smooth.

4. Add the fruit and nuts, and mix well.

5. Drop cookie dough from a tablespoon onto the prepared cookie sheets.

6. Bake at 375 degrees F each sheet of cookies for 8 to 10 minutes.

7. Remove the cookies from the baking sheets with a spatula while still warm.

8. Place on wire rack to partially cool.

9. Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of white bread to maintain their soft, fruity texture.