Cherry Icebox Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Cherry Icebox Cookies are vibrant, nutty treats with colorful glazed cherries and coconut, perfect for festive occasions or a sweet, nostalgic snack.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts
  • 1/2 cup coconut
  • 1/4 cup coconut (for topping)
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter until smooth; add sugar and mix well.
  2. Add milk, vanilla, chopped nuts, glazed cherries, and coconut to the mixture.
  3. Blend in the flour by hand until a dough forms.
  4. Divide the dough into 2 rolls, rolling each in the reserved coconut.
  5. Slice the rolls into cookies and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of regular butter. If you don't have chopped nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be a nice alternative. To enhance the sweetness, consider adding a touch of almond extract along with the vanilla. Ensure your dough is well chilled before slicing for cleaner edges.

Serving Suggestions

These cherry icebox cookies are delightful served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of hot tea. They pair beautifully with Cottage Pudding With Lemon Sauce for a sweet treat. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar before serving or adding a drizzle of chocolate over the top.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze the unbaked rolls of dough. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they can last up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cherry Icebox Cookies contains roughly 1134 calories, with 16g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1134 kcal 57% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.6g 31% DV
Total Fat 67.6g 87% DV
Carbs 122.1g 44% DV
Fiber 17.4g 62% DV
Sugar 39g 78% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 228.7mg 10% DV
Potassium 1108.7mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 7.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 113.7mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 36mg 40% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 301.3mg 23% DV
Iron 9.5mg 53% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 fruits instead of cherries?

Absolutely! Diced dried apricots, cranberries, or even chocolate chips can be great substitutes for cherries. Adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you choose, as some may be sweeter or more tart than others.

How can I make these cookies more colorful?

To add color, you can mix in some colorful sprinkles or swap out the cherries for candied fruit. Adding a few drops of food coloring to the dough can also create a fun visual effect, especially for holidays or special occasions.

What should I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, you can incorporate a bit more flour gradually until it reaches the right consistency. Alternatively, chilling the dough for a bit longer can also help firm it up, making it easier to handle and roll.

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).

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