Cherry-O'S!
Cherry-O'S are delightful nut and candied cherry cookies with a buttery, almond-flavored taste, perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving to friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend butter and icing sugar until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients (flour and salt) and blend well.
- Add almond extract and chopped nuts; mix well.
- Chill dough until easy to handle.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 350° to 375°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier texture. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract can be a good substitute. Ensure that the dough is well-chilled before shaping to prevent sticking. To enhance the taste, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Cherry-O'S pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter with other holiday cookies, like Coconutty Chocolate Cheesecake Bars or Chocolate Chip Pie(So Easy, But So Delicious!). They also make a great addition to dessert tables at parties or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry-O'S in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry-O'S! contains roughly 1483 calories, with 12g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1748mg per serving (76% 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 fresh cherries instead of candied cherry halves?
While fresh cherries can add a lovely flavor and color, they will not provide the same sweetness and texture as candied cherries. If you choose to use fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them finely, and consider adding a bit of extra sugar to the dough to balance the tartness.
What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
Pecans and walnuts are excellent choices for this recipe as they provide a nice crunch and flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, slivered almonds are a great option. You can also use mixed nuts for a more complex flavor profile, but make sure they are finely chopped to blend well in the dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Cherry-O'S gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the texture. Keep in mind that the cookies might have a slightly different texture, but they will still be delicious!
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).