Cherry Date Skillet Cookies
Cherry Date Skillet Cookies are delightful treats combining the richness of dates and butter with the sweetness of cherries and coconut. Crispy and chewy, they offer a perfect balance of flavors—ideal for cookie lovers, gatherings, or a cozy snack with a glass of milk.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 10-inch Teflon skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in sugar and chopped dates; remove from heat.
- Stir in egg.
- Return to heat and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils (4 to 6 minutes).
- Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute; remove from heat.
- Stir in rice cereal, 1 cup flaked coconut, cherries, and vanilla until moistened.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in remaining 2 1/2 cups flaked coconut.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using unsweetened shredded coconut or toasting the flaked coconut before adding it to the mix. If you don’t have dates on hand, dried apricots or figs can work as a substitute. Ensure to keep stirring the mixture to prevent it from burning while it cooks in the skillet. This recipe can be tweaked with different nut varieties for a bit of crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Date Skillet Cookies are delightful on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect snack for afternoon gatherings. For a festive treat, consider serving them alongside Walnut Christmas Toffee during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F for a few minutes until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Date Skillet Cookies contains roughly 1428 calories, with 10g protein, 242g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (124% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (80% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% 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 other types of sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use granulated sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, try coconut sugar as a substitute for a caramel-like taste.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
You can substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries or cranberries for a more natural sweetness. If you prefer a different flavor, fresh sweet cherries can also work, just make sure to chop them finely.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply ensure that your crisp rice cereal is certified gluten-free. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to enjoy these cookies without the gluten.
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).