Cracker Jill'S Cookies

Prep: 120 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 60 Cuisine: American

Cracker Jill's Cookies are sweet, nutty treats with a hint of saltiness, perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family during gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. dark corn syrup
  • 1 c. salted Spanish peanuts
  • 3 oz. package cream cheese
  • 1/2 c. butter
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 egg
  • 2 c. soda crackers, crushed, or oatmeal

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, flour, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, soda, and egg.
  2. Mix on low speed until well blended.
  3. Fold in salted Spanish peanuts and crushed soda crackers or oatmeal.
  4. Cover and chill the mixture for about 2 hours.
  5. Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in sugar.
  6. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the salted Spanish peanuts before adding them to the dough. If you don’t have dark corn syrup, light corn syrup or honey can be used as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly. To make the cookies chewier, try adding an extra egg yolk. Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a slice of Plum Cake-Bread during holiday gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Cracker Jill's Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cracker Jill'S Cookies contains roughly 2333 calories, with 18g protein, 262g carbohydrates, and 139g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 567mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

2333 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.1g 36% DV
Total Fat 139.1g 100% DV
Carbs 261.6g 95% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 115.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 567.5mg 25% DV
Potassium 1132mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 87.7mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Calcium 393.6mg 30% DV
Iron 5.8mg 32% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Peanut

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 a different type of nut in the cookies?

Yes, you can easily substitute salted Spanish peanuts with other nuts such as chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Just ensure that the nuts you choose are roasted and salted to maintain the intended flavor and texture of the cookies.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you want to replace cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free option. Sour cream is also a suitable substitute, although it will give the cookies a slightly tangier flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Cookies are typically done when they turn golden brown around the edges and the centers appear set but slightly soft. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven, so it's best to take them out just before they look fully baked.

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).

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