Holiday Billy Goats(7 To 8 Dozen)
Holiday Billy Goats are rich, nutty cookies with dates and warm spices, perfect for festive gatherings and those who enjoy hearty, flavorful treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter or margarine
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar ⓘ
- 3 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/3 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sour milk or buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 pound walnuts or pecans, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound dates, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar thoroughly.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add dry ingredients to egg mixture with sour milk and blend well by hand.
- Add chopped walnuts and dates and mix thoroughly.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls, 1 inch apart, on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, consider substituting half of the walnuts or pecans with chocolate chips for added richness. If you don't have sour milk or buttermilk, regular milk with a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar, yielding a light and fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with the Easy 'Blondies' Recipe for a delightful dessert platter. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience, or pack them in gift boxes for friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Billy Goats(7 To 8 Dozen) contains roughly 1707 calories, with 47g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (94% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2728mg per serving (119% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with your favorite nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Just keep in mind that each type of nut may alter the overall flavor and texture slightly, but they will all contribute deliciously to the cookies.
What should I do if my dough is too dry?
If your dough seems dry and crumbly, you can add a little more sour milk or buttermilk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Be cautious not to add too much, as it can make the cookies too soft.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. If you prefer to bake them later, you can also freeze the unbaked dough in individual scoops. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).