Christmas Fruit Cookies

• 2 (8-ounce) packages pitted dates, chopped
• 2 1/2 cups chopped candied red cherries
• 1/2 cup chopped candied citron (optional)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 4 cups chopped walnuts
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Dash of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine dates, cherries, and citron, if desired, in a large mixing bowl; add 1 cup flour, stirring to coat well. Add walnuts, stirring well; set aside.
2. Combine soda and water, stirring well; set aside.
3. Cream butter in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Sift together remaining flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add to creamed mixture; stir well. Add dissolved soda and vanilla, stirring well. Stir in reserved fruit mixture.
5. Drop dough by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 275u0b0 for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheets, and cool on wire racks. Store in airtight containers.

dates, candied red cherries, candied citron, allpurpose flour, walnuts, baking soda, water, butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, salt, vanilla

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/christmas-fruit-cookies (may not work)