Cherry Nut Nuggets(Favorite)
Cherry Nut Nuggets are delightful bite-sized cookies with a buttery almond flavor, crunchy nuts, and sweet maraschino cherries, perfect for holidays or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and softened cream cheese together.
- Add sugar, egg, and almond extract; mix well.
- Sift together flour, salt, and soda; stir into the creamed mixture.
- Chill the dough until firm.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Dip each ball into chopped nuts to coat.
- Press a halved maraschino cherry into the center of each ball.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening; it will enhance the taste and texture. If you have nut allergies, try using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. You can also substitute the maraschino cherries with dried cherries for a twist. Make sure to chill the dough adequately to make rolling easier.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a delightful addition to any dessert platter and pair beautifully with coffee or tea. Serve them alongside Christmas Fudge(Never Fail) for a festive treat. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack throughout the day. Consider adding a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Nut Nuggets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Nut Nuggets(Favorite) contains roughly 1385 calories, with 21g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value) and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 713mg per serving (31% 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 nut for coating?
Absolutely! While finely chopped walnuts or pecans are traditional, you can use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Just ensure they are finely chopped to coat the dough balls well. Experimenting with different nuts can add a unique flavor to your Cherry Nut Nuggets.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is overly sticky, it may not have chilled long enough. Try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. If it's still sticky, you can gradually add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a manageable consistency for rolling.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these Cherry Nut Nuggets more festive, consider decorating them with a drizzle of white chocolate or adding colored sprinkles on top before baking. You can also use seasonal fruits or candy in place of the cherries for various holiday themes.
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).