Ambrosia Cookies
Ambrosia Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the sweetness of dates, golden raisins, and flaked coconut with the crunch of nuts. These chewy cookies, adorned with candied cherries, are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 1 c. butter ⓘ
- 1 c. dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 c. plain flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. uncooked oats ⓘ
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 c. chopped dates ⓘ
- 1 c. golden raisins ⓘ
- 1 c. flaked coconut ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 tsp. grated orange rind
- 1 tsp. grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. almond extract ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. orange extract ⓘ
- 4 doz. candied cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream butter and dark brown sugar together, then add the white sugar and beat at medium speed.
- Add the beaten eggs one at a time.
- Combine plain flour, uncooked oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add the flour mixture and all remaining ingredients to the sugar mixture, except for the cherries.
- Spoon rounded teaspoonfuls of batter onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Press a half of a candied cherry into the top of each cookie.
- Bake at 350°F for 14 to 16 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using quick oats instead of uncooked oats. If you’re short on certain ingredients, you can substitute the chopped dates with dried figs or prunes, and use walnuts or pecans in place of the mixed nuts. To enhance the flavors, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These cookies can also be made vegan by using a butter substitute and flax eggs.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For an indulgent treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter with other favorites like Pumpkin Pie Cake or Cottage Cheese Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Ambrosia Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Cookies contains roughly 235 calories, with 4g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, though this may alter the texture slightly. Make sure to check the consistency of the dough and adjust as needed, as different flours absorb moisture differently.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider cutting back on the sugars by 1/4 cup each, or use unsweetened coconut flakes. You can also omit the golden raisins or use unsweetened dried fruits. Adjusting the sweetness can also balance the flavors if you add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough in individual portions and bake fresh cookies whenever you desire. Just remember to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).