Christmas Refrigerator Cookies
Festive refrigerator cookies bursting with dried fruits, nuts, and candied cherries, offering a rich, sweet flavor perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together flour and soda, then gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in vanilla, chopped dates, raisins, chopped nuts, candied pineapple, and cherries until well combined.
- Shape the dough into rolls and chill in the refrigerator for several hours.
- Slice the chilled rolls into thin slices.
- Bake slices at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar, or adding a dash of cinnamon. If you're short on time, you can skip the chilling step, although chilled dough is easier to slice. To add a twist, try substituting the nuts with crushed pretzels for a salty crunch. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Refrigerator Cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served with a glass of milk or holiday eggnog. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, arrange them on a platter alongside Disappearing Tarts or No Bake Pan Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the sliced cookies between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply place the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Refrigerator Cookies contains roughly 2232 calories, with 33g protein, 337g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and protein (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans and walnuts are traditional, you can substitute with almonds, hazelnuts, or even pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. Just ensure any nuts used are finely chopped to maintain the cookie's texture.
How do I make these cookies more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider incorporating seasonal spices like nutmeg or allspice, or adding crushed peppermint candies for a holiday flavor. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies after baking for a beautiful presentation.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before slicing and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months; just slice and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
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).