These cookies employ a kitchen sink-approach, with delicious results. Fruitcake mixes (a variety of chopped dried fruit intended for baking fruitcakes) are widely available. Or make your own mix of chopped dried fruit.

Double-Chocolate Rum Fruitcake Cookies

Start to finish: 1 hour

Makes 30 cookies

1 cup fruitcake mix

1/2 cup light rum

3 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

11 1/2-ounce bag (2 cups) chocolate chips

In a small bowl, combine the fruitcake mix and rum. Cover and let sit 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter, sour cream and both sugars until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well mixed.

When the fruitcake mix is ready, drain it and discard any liquid not absorbed by the fruit. Add the fruit to the sour cream and sugar mixture and mix in.

A cup at a time, add the dry ingredients, using the electric mixer to lightly beat the dough between additions. As needed, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Once all the flour is incorporated, mix in the chocolate chips.

Baking in batches, place 2-tablespoon mounds of dough several inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes, or until puffy and set at the center. The cookies will still be tender.

Cool the cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.





• Try the local fruitcake cookie favorites



Claxton fruit cakes are now being sold by the Athens Ladies Civitan Club at First American Bank, Pablo’s on Market, Oakdale Grocery, Regions Bank, Compass Bank, Superior Bank, Reliance Bank and Bank Independent.

The club offers up some of their favorite fruitcake cooke recipes below.

Claxton Fruitcake Cookies

1 lbs. Crumbled Claxton Fruit Cake

1 box spice cake mix

2 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1 cup apple sauce

1 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 cups flaked coconut

Thoroughly mix ingredients together. Drop spoonfuls of mix onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 12 minutes. Do not over bake. Makes 4 – 5 dozen cookies.

Chocolate Covered Claxton Fruit Cake Strips

1 lb. Claxton Fruit Cake

1 lb. chocolate microwaveable candy coating

Freeze fruit cake. Cut into 1/4 –inch slices; then cut each slice into three strips. Melt chocolate according to microwave directions. Carefully dip frozen fruit cake strips in chocolate. Cool on wax paper. Makes 4 – 5 dozen strips. An unusual treat and real party hit.

Claxton Coconut Balls

1 lb. Claxton Fruit Cake at room temperature

1/2 to 3/4 cup coconut flakes

1 teaspoon of almond flavoring

Cut fruit cake into 1/4 –inch slices. Shape each slice into a ball. Lightly roll in almond flavoring and coconut flakes and refrigerate until served. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Makes 2 – 3 dozen fruit cake balls. Great for parties and snacks.





These and several more recipes can be found at www. claxtonfruitcake.com.