Chewy Christmas Cookies
Chewy Christmas Cookies are delightful treats packed with oats, raisins, dates, pecans, and coconut, offering a rich, chewy texture perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together brown sugar, white sugar, and shortening until they go "plop" when dropped from a spoon.
- Add beaten eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture, blending thoroughly.
- Grind the dates and raisins and add to the mixture, beating well.
- Add chopped pecans and coconut to the mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 325° to 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly; they may fall some after baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider adding an extra egg or using a mix of brown and white sugar. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work as great substitutes. Also, for a more intense flavor, try toasting the coconut before adding it to the mixture. Make sure your oats are rolled oats for the best texture in these cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They can also be served alongside other festive treats like Banana Boats(Easy) or a slice of Rhubarb Jello for a delightful dessert spread. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an added flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chewy Christmas Cookies contains roughly 2437 calories, with 39g protein, 347g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and protein (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 dates instead of pitted dates?
Yes, you can use fresh dates, but you will need to chop them finely as they are softer and stickier than pitted dates. Just ensure to remove the pits before using them in your cookie dough.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the shortening with a plant-based margarine and replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. This will maintain the texture and flavor while keeping the recipe plant-based.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor. These additions can complement the existing ingredients and enhance the overall taste of the cookies.
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).