Holiday Billy Goats (Cookies)(Makes 7 To 8 Dozen)
Holiday Billy Goats are classic, festive cookies packed with dates, walnuts, and warm spices, perfect for sharing during special occasions or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla, and beat well with an electric mixer.
- Incorporate flour, soda, spices, sour milk, and chopped nuts into the mixture.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet spaced apart.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular butter. If you don't have sour milk, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk. Chopped pecans can be used in place of walnuts for a different nutty taste. Make sure to measure your flour accurately to avoid dry cookies. If the dough is too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can help.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. Consider serving them alongside Jello-Pretzel Salad(Dessert) for a delightful dessert spread. They also make great gifts when packed in decorative tins. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or allow them to cool completely for a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Billy Goats (Cookies)(Makes 7 To 8 Dozen) contains roughly 1906 calories, with 56g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (162% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), and protein (112% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% 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 make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then proceed with baking as directed.
What can I substitute for the chopped dates?
If you don't have dates, you can use dried figs or raisins as a substitute. Both will provide a similar sweetness and texture. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size as the dates for even distribution in the cookies.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles, or a drizzle of icing on top. You could also incorporate dried cranberries or orange zest for a seasonal twist that complements the spices beautifully.
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).