Cherry Refrigerator Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Creamy, nutty cherry cookies with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for a sweet snack or holiday treat, appealing to those who love fruity, buttery baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup margarine or butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 3/4 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 cup chopped glazed cherries

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar until creamy.
  2. Add eggs and beat well.
  3. Add dry ingredients and beat well.
  4. Stir in chopped nuts and glazed cherries to blend.
  5. Shape the dough into rolls of 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  6. Wrap the rolls in wax paper and refrigerate until well chilled.
  7. Slice the chilled rolls into 1-inch thick slices.
  8. Place slices on a greased cookie sheet.
  9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a buttery flavor, use unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're out of glazed cherries, dried cherries or cranberries can work as a substitute. Ensure the dough is well-chilled to maintain its shape during baking. You can also experiment with spices by adding nutmeg or omitting cinnamon for a different flavor profile. Consider browsing more American recipes for similar cookie ideas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful treat. They make a wonderful addition to dessert trays, especially during the holidays. Consider pairing them with Sue's Cherry Cream Pie for a cherry-themed dessert spread that will impress your guests.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready to bake, slice the frozen dough and bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cherry Refrigerator Cookies contains roughly 117 calories, with 0g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 655mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

117 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.5g 1% DV
Total Fat 8.4g 11% DV
Carbs 10.6g 4% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 4.9g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 654.7mg 28% DV
Potassium 51.4mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 10.8mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.6mcg
Vitamin C 2.7mg 3% DV
Calcium 60.2mg 5% DV
Iron 0.3mg 1% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 glazed cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they will change the texture and moisture of the cookies. If using fresh, make sure to chop and pit them, and consider reducing the overall liquid in the recipe slightly to compensate for the moisture content.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Cherry Refrigerator Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still be delicious.

Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can be a delightful addition. You can replace some of the nuts with chocolate chips or add them in addition to the nuts for a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the overall balance of sweet to savory.

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).

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