Christmas Drop Cookies
Festive and chewy, these Christmas Drop Cookies combine sweet dates, cherries, and crunchy walnuts, topped with cherries for a delightful holiday treat suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped dates, walnuts, cherries, sugar, and vanilla; mix well.
- Add egg whites to the fruit mixture alternately with sifted flour, mixing gently.
- If the mixture is dry, add a little cherry juice until the consistency is workable.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Top each drop with cherry pieces.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until cookies are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds. If fresh cherries aren't available, consider using dried cherries or even cranberries for a tart twist. Ensure the dates are soft for easy mixing, and if they are firm, soak them in warm water for a few minutes. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover holiday nuts and fruits.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Drop Cookies are delightful on their own or served alongside a warm beverage like spiced cider or hot chocolate. For a festive platter, pair them with slices of Joyce'S Apple Bread or Lemon Supreme Cake With Glaze. They make excellent gifts when packed in decorative tins for friends and family during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C).
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Drop Cookies contains roughly 786 calories, with 27g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts provide a nice flavor, feel free to swap them for pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts, depending on your preference. Just ensure any nuts used are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution in the dough.
What can I use instead of egg whites?
If you're looking for an egg-free alternative, you can substitute each egg white with 2 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or 1/4 cup applesauce. This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the cookies moist.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-baking.
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).