The Surprising History of the Canadian Cookie Named After American Civil War Draft Dodgers

Food & Drink · Published 29 September 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Skidaddle Ridge Drop Cookies are a vintage Canadian treat with a peculiar origin story. Named after a New Brunswick hideout for American Civil War draft dodgers, these soft, molasses-style cookies remain a staple for hunters in the region. Discover the recipe that blends fruit cocktail with pecans for a unique bite.

The Skidaddle Ridge Drop Cookie hails from the 1966 Laura Secord Canadian Cookbook, a project celebrating the Canadian Centennial. The name itself is a historical artifact, referencing Skidaddle Ridge in New Brunswick. During the American Civil War, individuals who opposed the Republican party and sought to avoid the conflict fled north, earning the nickname skidaddlers. While many returned home once the war concluded, a significant number remained to settle in Southern Quebec and New Brunswick, leaving behind a legacy that persists in the name of this local cookie.

The cookie is notable for its unconventional inclusion of canned fruit cocktail. To prepare them, one must cream butter with one and a half cups of lightly packed brown sugar, then incorporate vanilla, an egg, one cup of well-drained fruit cocktail, and crunchy pecans or other preferred nuts. The resulting batter produces a soft, molasses-like texture that makes them an ideal accompaniment for tea or a practical addition to the lunch boxes traditionally carried by hunters in the region.

Baking these cookies requires a straightforward approach: drop the batter by the teaspoon onto a lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. They should be baked in a 350-degree oven for ten to twelve minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown finish. Whether the dough requires chilling remains a point of discussion among enthusiasts of vintage recipes, but the simplicity of the process has helped maintain their popularity as a piece of Canadian culinary history.

Beyond the kitchen, the legacy of these recipes is preserved through platforms like the Old Cookbook Show, which explores such historical curiosities. The channel also connects this heritage to modern community efforts, such as the 2025 Give Hope Wings fundraiser. This initiative supports Hope Air in providing free medical flights for Canadians living in remote communities, bridging the gap between historical preservation and contemporary social support.

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