Cherry Blink Cookies
Cherry Blink Cookies are delightful treats featuring a crunchy cereal coating, sweet raisins or dates, and topped with vibrant maraschino cherry halves. These cookies are perfect for nostalgic snacking or festive gatherings, offering a balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and fruity bursts in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins or dates ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups Wheaties cereal, crushed ⓘ
- Candied or maraschino cherry halves ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
- Add shortening, egg, milk, and vanilla; mix until well combined.
- Stir in raisins or dates and chopped nuts.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto crushed Wheaties cereal and roll until coated.
- Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.
- Top each cookie with a cherry half.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil instead of shortening for added flavor and a dairy-free option. Be sure to crush the Wheaties cereal finely for better adherence to the dough. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Blink Cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert. For a fun twist, try drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their crispiness, you can place a slice of bread in the container. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Blink Cookies contains roughly 192 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 9g 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 fresh cherries instead of candied or maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit and halve them before adding to the cookies. Fresh cherries will provide a different texture and flavor, adding a delightful tartness to each bite.
What can I substitute for shortening in this recipe?
You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This change will impart a richer flavor to the cookies and can slightly alter the texture, making them softer.
Are there any nut-free options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch without the allergens. This adjustment keeps the cookies delicious and suitable for nut-free diets.
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).