Fancy Holiday Cookies
These festive holiday cookies are buttery and tender with a delightful crunch from pecans and bursts of sweetness from candied cherries. Flavored with rum or vanilla extract, they are perfect for sharing at celebrations or indulging in during cozy winter days. Their colorful appearance makes them a cheerful addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together butter and sugar, then add the extract and milk.
- Stir in flour, chopped candied cherries, and chopped pecans.
- Refrigerate the dough for a few hours.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 375°F for 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute the rum extract with almond extract for a different twist. If you don't have candied cherries, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots can work well. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly; this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Fancy Holiday Cookies are delightful on their own or served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make an elegant addition to a dessert platter with slices of Dessert Gingerbread or Fruit Pizza(Beautiful Dessert). Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover 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. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fancy Holiday Cookies contains roughly 1271 calories, with 13g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 515mg per serving (22% 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them coarsely, similar to the pecans, to maintain the texture of the cookies.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels sticky after mixing, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Remember to refrigerate the dough, as this will also help firm it up.
Are these cookies suitable for gift-giving?
Absolutely! These cookies make a wonderful gift during the holiday season. You can package them in decorative tins or boxes. Consider pairing them with other homemade treats for a delightful gift basket.
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).