Christmas (Or Anytime) Cookies
Festive and flavorful, these coconut-candied cherry cookies are perfect for holidays or anytime treats, combining buttery richness with colorful, crunchy, and sweet elements.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with sugar and cream.
- Add milk and flavoring of your choice; stir to combine.
- Mix in self-rising flour, flaked coconut, chopped pecans, and chopped candied cherries.
- Form the dough into 2 rolls.
- Roll the rolls in coconut.
- Wrap in wax paper and chill overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor twist, consider using almond or vanilla extract as your flavoring. If you prefer a healthier twist, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. You can also replace the flaked coconut with rolled oats for a chewier texture. Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing. Chilling the dough is essential for better slicing.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift. Consider pairing them with a fruit platter or browse more American recipes for a complete dessert spread. They also make a great addition to a cookie exchange.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped rolls of dough for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas (Or Anytime) Cookies contains roughly 1174 calories, with 14g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% 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 regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour. Just make sure to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour to replicate the self-rising effect.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version, or use sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the allergens.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To enhance the festive vibe, consider adding festive sprinkles on top before chilling or drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies after baking. You could also include crushed candy canes for a minty flavor that pairs beautifully with the holiday theme.
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).