Fruit and Spice Rounds
Contributed by Diane S.

1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
3 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup raisins, snipped
1 cup dried figs, snipped
1 cup snipped pitted dates
1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Prep time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 12 to 15 minutes
Yield: 54 cookies

In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high
speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and
cloves. Beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.
Beat in eggs until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with the
mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Stir in raisins,
figs, dates and nuts.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoon, 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie
sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool
on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Note: Fruit and Spice Rounds are especially easy if you chop the dried
fruits in a food processor with a little of the flour mixed in to keep them
from sticking.

Adapted from Cookies for Christmas