Cherry Nut Christmas Cookies
Festive cherry and nut cookies feature buttery richness, sweet candied cherries, and crunchy chopped nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the Crisco and light brown sugar together until well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly.
- Sift together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls.
- Roll each ball in finely chopped nuts to coat.
- Press half a candied cherry into the center of each ball.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of Crisco. If you're short on candied cherries, dried cranberries or raisins can be a good substitute. To make the cookies even more festive, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Ensure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a delightful addition to any holiday dessert platter. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of spiced tea for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with Vanilla Homemade Ice Cream for a festive dessert experience. Enjoy them fresh or as part of a holiday cookie exchange.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until slightly soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Nut Christmas Cookies contains roughly 416 calories, with 4g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 660mg per serving (29% 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 fat instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter for Crisco. This will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly different texture. Just ensure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
What type of nuts work best in these cookies?
Chopped walnuts or pecans complement the sweet cherries perfectly, but you can use any type of nut you prefer. Just make sure they’re finely chopped to ensure they coat the cookie balls evenly.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you're ready to bake, simply roll into balls, coat with nuts, and add the cherries before baking.
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).