Cherry-Nut Slices
Sweet cherry-nut slices feature candied cherries and chopped nuts in a buttery, vanilla-flavored dough, perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful treat with coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, margarine or butter, vanilla, and egg; blend well.
- Stir in flour, candied cherries, and chopped nuts.
- If desired, chill the dough for easier handling.
- Divide the dough into thirds on three sheets of waxed paper; shape each third into a roll 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap the rolls and refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours.
- Heat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Cut the dough into 1/4-inch slices.
- Place slices 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can cut the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for unique flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful Cherry-Nut Slices with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with melted chocolate or icing. They make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters alongside favorites like Light Brownies.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing layers of parchment paper between the slices and sealing them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry-Nut Slices contains roughly 322 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 23g 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 ones?
While fresh cherries can be used, they will change the texture and moisture content of the cookies. If you opt for fresh cherries, make sure to chop and pit them, and consider reducing other liquids in the recipe to maintain the right consistency.
What can I substitute for nuts if someone has allergies?
If nut allergies are a concern, you can simply omit the nuts altogether without affecting the overall structure of the cookies. Alternatively, you could use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?
To make these slices more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles on top before baking. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor, or dip them in white chocolate after baking for a special touch.
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).