Gara'S Cookies
Gara's Cookies are delightfully chewy treats with a nutty flavor, hints of vanilla, and colorful candied cherries, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream together brown sugar, white sugar, and shortening until smooth.
- Add beaten eggs and vanilla to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Stir in chopped nuts and candied cherries.
- Spoon out cookie dough in 1 1/2-inch balls onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F until edges are slightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, consider using half butter instead of shortening. You can substitute the chopped nuts with chocolate chips or dried fruits for a different flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute that measures the same as sugar. Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gara's Cookies warm with a glass of milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, present them on a platter with other holiday treats, such as Raisin Molasses Honeys With Cornflakes or Beautiful Cherry Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gara'S Cookies contains roughly 159 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for plain flour, but it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies denser. You might want to start with a 50-50 mix of whole wheat and plain flour to maintain a good balance.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana per egg. This will add moisture and sweetness while keeping the cookies vegetarian.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are slightly browned and the center looks set but still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so it's better to slightly underbake them for a chewy texture.
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).