Apricot Brazil Nut Melts
Delightful apricot and Brazil nut cookies featuring a buttery base, crunchy nuts, and colorful candied cherries, perfect for festive occasions or sweet indulgences.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Add the egg and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
- Stir in the flour and salt until combined.
- Mix in the finely chopped Brazil nuts.
- Shape the dough into walnut-sized balls.
- Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball with the bottom of a floured glass.
- Make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 4 minutes.
- Remove from oven and press the center of each cookie again.
- Fill the indentations with a small spoonful of apricot jam.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 4 to 6 minutes until edges are light golden.
- Cool the cookies on a rack.
- Decorate each cookie with 3 Brazil nut slices arranged in a spoke pattern.
- Place pieces of red and green candied cherries in the center of each cookie.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the Brazil nuts before chopping them. If you're out of Brazil nuts, pecans or walnuts can be used as a substitute. To ensure even baking, make sure the cookie balls are uniform in size. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or to serve alongside Cheese Nibblers.
Serving Suggestions
These Apricot Brazil Nut Melts are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, consider pairing them with Special Occasion Mashed Potatoes at a holiday dinner. You can also arrange them on a platter with other cookies for a beautiful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain their texture, avoid refrigerating them. If you need to reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh their softness. These cookies can also be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Brazil Nut Melts contains roughly 723 calories, with 16g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 624mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of jam instead of apricot?
Yes, you can substitute apricot jam with other fruit jams such as peach, raspberry, or even orange marmalade. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still create a delicious cookie.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture. The cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they will still be delicious.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If your cookie dough is crumbly, try adding a bit more butter or a splash of milk to help bind it together. Mix thoroughly until the dough holds together better. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as it can affect the cookie's final texture.
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).