One thing is true: Things don’t always work out the way you want. Still, something good may come out of it. In this case, a new cookie recipe inspired by friends, Caribbean culture, and just raw talent that’s simply called Jamaican Rum Cookies Jump to Recipe .
Five years ago, I applied to be on Food Rush. The dessert I planned on presenting to the judges were Jamacia Rum Cookies. The judges decided to pull a prank (insert eye roll) and have the contests create another dish instead of the one we prepared to make.
I’m the cute one in yellow.
If had the chance to make what I planned I don’t think I would have done better because reality television isn’t very realistic.
What’s done is done, but there’s some good left behind.
Jamaica Rum Christmas Cookies Ingredients: Macerated Dried Fruit, Sweet Coconut, and Chopped Walnuts
I needed a dessert with a family history. I really didn’t have one regarding cookies because my mother, grandmother, and aunts are all about the pies and cakes. This show called for cookies. Talking about my dilemma with my friend, I found out her family comes from Jamaica and cookies are not really big there as well. What is popular is a deeply rich and spiced cake simply called a Jamaican Christmas Cake.
So working with my friend and adding some of my Southern American skills, I made a cookie that boosted me to the competition.
I still make this cookie upon request during the holiday season. If you make it, let me know what you think. Did you add a different type of dried fruit? Substituted the rum although why would you do that? Drop me a line.
Jamaican Rum Cookies
Cookies created for the LiveWell television show Food Rush: Cookie Competition. Inspired by Jamaican Christmas Cake and the American tradition of a Christmas Cookie.
Ingredients
Prepare 1 cup macerated mixed fruit. See below.
Preheat the oven for 350° F.
- 3 c. all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup softened butter 2 sticks
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup tightly packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 Tablespoons molasses
- 1 cup macerated mixed fruit black raisins, golden raisins, dried cranberries, and dried cherries
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
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Mix the dry ingredients (all purpose flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, ground ginger, and cinnamon) in a small bowl.
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In an electric mix or a large bowl mix butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.
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Add eggs one at a time until fully mixed
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Add vanilla and molasses
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Add dry ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Don't overmix.
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Fold in fruits and chopped walnuts
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Scoop the cookies onto a baking sheet. The cookies won't spread. Bake for 13 minutes.
Recipe Notes
How to prepare 1 cup macerated mixed fruit.
I used black raisins, golden raisins, and cranberries, but you can use whatever you like.
Prepare the fruit.
Slow method: mix dried fruit in a cup of rum in a jar or bowl and tightly cover. Let sit for a week. Drain liquid and reserve the fruits.
Faster method: mix the dried fruit in a cup of rum in a saucepan. Cook on a low heat for 30 minutes. Drain liquid and reserve the fruits.
4 Comments
Mercy! Those look delicious. That’ll put the Merry in Christmas!
With a good rum, they certainly will!
Awesome recipe! Tastiest cookies ever! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Mary!