We’ve always been captivated by Texas Lizzies a classic cookie recipe hailing from the Lone Star State. Originating in early 20th-century Texas these treats blend rich candied fruits nuts and spices for a festive burst of flavor that embodies Southern charm.
In our kitchen we love how easy they are to bake yet they’re packed with that irresistible homemade goodness. Whether you’re gearing up for holidays or a cozy gathering Texas Lizzies will quickly become your go-to delight.
Ingredients
To craft our flavorful Texas Lizzies cookies—blending candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices—we start with these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for accuracy.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted to ensure a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: For the right rise in these chewy cookies.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste of our Texas Lizzies.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A staple spice that adds a warm, festive aroma.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Freshly grated if possible, for deeper flavor depth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness to balance the fruits and nuts.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten lightly before adding to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure variety for authentic, rich notes in our cookies.
- 1 cup candied cherries: Chopped coarsely for even distribution and a burst of color.
- 1 cup candied pineapple: Diced into small pieces to mimic traditional Southern style.
- ½ cup raisins: Plumped in warm water if they’re dry, for juicier bites.
- 1 cup pecans: Toasted and chopped, delivering a crunchy contrast in every Texas Lizzies cookie.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into mixing our Texas Lizzies cookie dough, let’s gather the essential equipment. This ensures a smooth baking process and helps us achieve those perfectly textured, festive cookies packed with candied fruits and nuts.
We recommend the following items, organized by the order of use in the recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls—one for dry ingredients like flour and spices, and another for wet ingredients such as butter and eggs—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry measuring cups (for flour and sugar) and liquid measuring cups (for extracts), plus spoons for precise measurements of baking soda, salt, and spices, as accuracy is key to the cookies’ light texture.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: A hand-held or stand mixer for creaming butter and sugar, or a sturdy whisk if we’re opting for a hands-on approach, ensuring the dough incorporates air for that signature Southern fluffiness.
- Baking Sheets: One or two rimmed sheets lined with parchment paper, ideal for even heat distribution and preventing the candied fruits from sticking during baking.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A silicone spatula for folding in nuts and fruits like pecans and raisins without overmixing, preserving the dough’s rich, chunky consistency.
- Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: For portioning uniform dough balls, which helps maintain consistent baking times and results in evenly golden cookies.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to 350°F, equipped with an oven thermometer for accuracy, as temperature control is crucial for these spice-infused treats.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack to let the baked Texas Lizzies cool properly, allowing flavors to set and preventing sogginess from trapped steam.
With this equipment in hand, we’re all set to transition seamlessly from preparing ingredients to crafting our delicious cookies.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential equipment, let’s create these irresistible Texas Lizzies cookies with ease and precision. We’ll walk you through each step to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly spiced and textured.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, it’s crucial to prepare our ingredients for smooth assembly. Start by measuring 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg into a medium mixing bowl; sift these dry ingredients together to achieve a light, airy base that enhances the cookie’s tender crumb. Next, chop 1 cup of candied cherries and 1 cup of candied pineapple into small, uniform pieces to distribute their sweet, tangy flavors evenly. Roughly chop 1 cup of pecans and measure out 1 cup of raisins, ensuring all fruits and nuts are ready for folding to add a delightful crunch and festive burst to our Texas Lizzies.
Mix the Dough
With ingredients prepped, we now mix the dough to blend flavors seamlessly. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, releasing a warm, buttery aroma that signals a rich base. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each to incorporate air and create a smooth consistency, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle, sweet undertone. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Finally, gently fold in the chopped candied cherries, pineapple, raisins, and pecans with a spatula, ensuring even distribution for those signature pockets of fruit and nut that make Texas Lizzies so crave-worthy.
Shape the Cookies
Shaping ensures uniform baking and appealing presentation, so let’s form our dough portions. Using a cookie scoop, portion out 2-tablespoon amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even spreading and a golden edge. Roll each portion into a ball between your palms for a neat, rounded shape that promises a satisfying, chewy center. If desired, lightly press the tops to flatten slightly, creating cookies that bake up with a perfect balance of crisp exterior and soft interior, embodying the hearty charm of Texas Lizzies.
Bake the Cookies
Baking transforms our dough into aromatic treats, so preheat your oven to 350°F for optimal results. Place the baking sheet in the center rack and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown and the centers set with a slight give, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of spices and fruits. Monitor closely to prevent over-baking, as this ensures the cookies retain their moist, flavorful profile—aim for 10 minutes for chewier results or 12 for a firmer bite, based on your preference.
Cool and Store
Proper cooling and storage preserve the fresh taste and texture of our Texas Lizzies. Immediately transfer the baked cookies from the hot baking sheet to a cooling rack using a spatula, allowing them to cool completely for about 10 to 15 minutes to set their structure and intensify flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months; this method keeps the cookies soft and prevents them from drying out, making them ideal for gifting or enjoying over time.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
As we perfect our Texas Lizzies cookies, planning ahead ensures they remain fresh and flavorful for any occasion. Let’s explore practical strategies to prepare these festive treats in advance and store them effectively, building on our cooling process to preserve that delightful blend of candied fruits, nuts, and spices.
Make-Ahead Options
We recommend making Texas Lizzies dough up to 2 days in advance for optimal freshness. This approach allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the cookies’ signature Southern charm. Here’s how we do it step-by-step:
- Prepare the Dough: After mixing, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chill it in the refrigerator to firm up the texture and intensify the cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
- Shape and Freeze: For even more convenience, shape the dough into balls using a cookie scoop, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the portions to a freezer-safe bag. This method lets us bake fresh batches whenever needed, maintaining that light, chewy consistency.
- Thaw and Bake: When ready, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight. Bake at the preheated temperature as outlined in our recipe for that perfect golden edge and irresistible aroma.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to keeping our Texas Lizzies cookies moist and full of their holiday essence. We focus on methods that lock in the rich fruit and nut flavors while preventing staleness.
To help you track storage durations effectively, we’ve compiled the details in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Conditions and Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 week | Store in an airtight container at 68–72°F (20–22°C). Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking and preserve the cookies’ soft texture. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks | Use an airtight container or sealed bag. This slows moisture loss, keeping the candied fruits plump, but let cookies sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results, ensuring the spices remain vibrant and the nuts retain their crunch. |
By following these tips, we can enjoy our Texas Lizzies cookies at their peak, whether we’re preparing for a gathering or savoring them over time.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this Texas Lizzies recipe with us. It’s a simple joy that adds a touch of tradition to any occasion.
Baking these treats reminds us how homemade goods bring people together. Give it a try and make it your own—we’re confident it’ll become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Texas Lizzies?
Texas Lizzies are classic cookies from early 20th-century Texas, known for their festive mix of candied fruits, nuts, and spices. They capture Southern charm with a light texture and rich flavor, making them ideal for holidays or gatherings. Easy to bake at home, they’re a delightful homemade treat.
What ingredients are needed for Texas Lizzies?
You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, candied cherries, candied pineapple, raisins, and pecans. Measure accurately for the best light texture and flavor, following the recipe’s order for smooth preparation.
What equipment is required to bake Texas Lizzies?
Essential items include mixing bowls for dry and wet ingredients, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or whisk, baking sheets with parchment paper, a spatula or wooden spoon, a cookie scoop, a preheated oven, and a cooling rack. This setup ensures precision and easy baking.
How do I make Texas Lizzies step by step?
Start by measuring and sifting dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then fold in fruits and nuts. Shape into uniform portions, bake at the optimal temperature for the right time, and cool on a rack. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
Can I make Texas Lizzies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance to let flavors meld. Chill or freeze it for convenience—thaw before baking. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies ready for events without last-minute hassle.
How should I store Texas Lizzies to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for two weeks to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months; thaw at room temperature. Proper storage keeps them flavorful and ready to enjoy.