Cherry Winks(Cookies)
Cherry Winks cookies are delightful treats featuring chopped cherries, nuts, and dates coated in crushed cornflakes, offering a sweet, crunchy bite perfect for festive gatherings or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Blend in dry ingredients; add nuts, dates, and cherries.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls into crushed cornflakes.
- Cover thoroughly.
- Place on greased cookie sheets.
- Top each cookie with 1/4 chopped cherry.
- Bake at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, try using toasted nuts instead of raw. If you don't have maraschino cherries, dried cherries or even cranberries work well as substitutes. Ensure your butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar. For a fun twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Winks are delightful on their own or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for afternoon snacks. Consider serving them at gatherings or as part of holiday cookie trays, where they can complement other sweets like Norine'S Apple Dumplings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Winks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their shelf life. If you prefer them warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Winks(Cookies) contains roughly 180 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 13g 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 gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the cookies hold together. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still be delicious.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the sugar by 1/4 cup or replace part of it with unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, using unsweetened cocoa powder can add a rich flavor without increasing sweetness. Taste the dough before baking to adjust to your preference.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the prepared dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. For dough, scoop and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a container. Thaw before serving, or bake from frozen for a warm treat.
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).