Christmas Flower Cookies
Christmas Flower Cookies are festive treats featuring tender, buttery cookie bases adorned with colorful candied cherries, resembling blooming flowers. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies combine sweet, fruity flavors with a hint of coconut, appealing to both kids and adults looking for cheerful, homemade holiday confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, measure the flour, confectioners sugar, softened margarine, vanilla extract, salt, and orange extract.
- Beat the ingredients at low speed with a mixer until well blended.
- Stir in the flaked coconut with a spoon and set aside.
- Cut each red and green candied cherry in half.
- Cut each half into 4 slivers and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more festive flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract in place of the orange extract. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. To make the dough easier to handle, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. Remember to keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as ovens can vary.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Flower Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with Becca'S Best Punch for a festive drink option. Serve them on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats, or gift them in a festive tin. They also make a delightful addition to a cookie exchange or dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Flower Cookies contains roughly 1137 calories, with 6g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of potassium (17% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1946mg per serving (85% 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 butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. It will add a richer flavor and slightly different texture to the cookies. Just ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing.
Can I use different types of nuts or dried fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, or use dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a unique twist. Just make sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and your hands while shaping the cookies. Alternatively, chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
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).