Mincemeat Prize Cookies

24 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 10 m Total: 25 m Beginner
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Mincemeat Prize Cookies
Mincemeat is one of those foods that you either love or hate. The biggest question has always been, exactly what is mincemeat? Mincemeat is defined as a mixture of finely chopped apples, raisins, spices, meat, and rum or brandy, used especially as a pie filling. Sounds like I might just love it. These prize-winning cookies pack all that spiced goodness into a soft, chewy drop cookie.

Ingredients

24 servings
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 cups flour, unsifted
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 (9 oz) package None Such Condensed Mincemeat, crumbled

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a large mixer bowl, beat shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat well.
  3. Stir together dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) and gradually add to the shortening mixture. Mix well.
  4. Stir in the crumbled mincemeat until evenly distributed.
  5. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto greased baking sheets.
  6. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.
  7. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Decorate with icing or gel if desired.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?

A: Make sure your shortening is at room temperature, not melted. Also, don't skip the 2-inch spacing between cookies on the baking sheet, as they will spread during baking.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! These cookies store beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. The flavors actually develop more over time.

Tips and Techniques

Crumble the condensed mincemeat block thoroughly before adding to the dough to ensure even distribution. If you’re not a fan of traditional mincemeat with meat, don’t worry—most modern prepared mincemeat is fruit-based without any actual meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • condensed mincemeat: 1 1/3 cups ready-to-use mincemeat
  • shortening: unsalted butter, softened
  • prepared mincemeat: 1 1/3 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, dried cranberries) with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp allspice

Equipment Needed

  • electric mixer or stand mixer
  • large mixing bowl
  • baking sheets
  • wire cooling rack
  • tablespoon or cookie scoop

Historical Context

Mincemeat originated in medieval England as a way to preserve meat, but by the Victorian era it evolved into the primarily fruit-based filling we know today. Mincemeat cookies became popular in America as a way to enjoy the holiday flavors without making a whole pie.