"Cherry On Top"
A rich, nutty cookie packed with crushed pecans and maraschino cherries, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and almond flavor, perfect for special occasions or teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together Crisco and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, egg, and almond extract; mix well.
- Gradually add flour, salt, and soda, blending thoroughly.
- Chill the dough overnight before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the Crisco with unsalted butter. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. Make sure to chill the dough overnight, as this helps enhance the flavors and makes it easier to handle. You can also experiment with different extracts like vanilla for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can also serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving them on a platter with Laura Lee's Cherry Fantasy for a beautiful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they retain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Cherry On Top" contains roughly 761 calories, with 10g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2163mg per serving (94% 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 nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts as a substitute for pecans. Just be sure to chop them coarsely to maintain a pleasant texture in your cookies.
What if I don't have maraschino cherries?
If maraschino cherries aren't available, you can use fresh cherries or dried cherries as alternatives. Just ensure that fresh cherries are pitted and chopped, and dried cherries are roughly chopped to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to chill the dough overnight?
While chilling the dough overnight is recommended for flavor and texture, you can chill it for as little as 30 minutes if you're short on time. However, the longer chilling period enhances the overall taste and makes the dough easier to work with.
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).