Evelyn Chamberlain'S Christmas Cookies
Festive and rich, these Christmas cookies combine candied cherries, pineapple, dates, and pecans, offering a sweet, chewy treat perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- To well beaten egg whites, add sugar and vanilla.
- Combine candied cherries, pineapple, chopped dates, and chopped pecans, then add to the egg mixture.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a slow oven at 250°F (120°C) for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly brown.
- Do not overbake.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the egg whites are at room temperature before beating them to achieve maximum volume. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes. If candied fruits are unavailable, consider using dried fruits like apricots or raisins. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of salt or a dash of almond extract.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm glass of cider. For a festive platter, include them alongside other holiday treats like Irresistable Peanut Butter Cookies or Maple Squares. They make a lovely addition to holiday gift baskets or cookie exchanges.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Evelyn Chamberlain'S Christmas Cookies contains roughly 399 calories, with 15g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. It also contributes 8g 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 make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is inherently gluten-free as it doesn't require any flour. Just ensure any packaged ingredients like candied fruits or nuts are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the sugar by a quarter cup. Additionally, using unsweetened dried fruits instead of candied varieties will help balance the flavors without compromising texture.
What tips do you have for perfecting the baking time?
Baking time can vary based on your oven, so keep a close watch after 30 minutes. The cookies should be lightly browned but still chewy inside. If they are browning too quickly, consider lowering the temperature slightly or rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
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).