Holiday Cookies
Festive holiday cookies featuring a rich blend of dates, nuts, and cherries, perfect for sharing during celebrations and appealing to those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening and brown sugar together in a bowl.
- Add the egg and sour cream, mixing well until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients—flour, salt, and baking soda—and mix thoroughly.
- Fold in the chopped dates, chopped nuts, and chopped candied cherries.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350° to 375° for about 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with applesauce. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt can work as an excellent alternative. Ensure that your dates are finely chopped for even distribution throughout the dough. Adding a touch of vanilla extract can enhance the cookie's flavor. These cookies are versatile, so feel free to include any nuts you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
These holiday cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. Consider serving them alongside Janie'S Easy Lemon Cake for a refreshing contrast. They also make a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter, sharing space with other festive treats like Apricot Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store the leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until they soften.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Cookies contains roughly 983 calories, with 10g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 854mg per serving (37% 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 other dried fruits instead of dates?
Absolutely! You can substitute chopped dried apricots, raisins, or cranberries for the dates. Each will offer a different flavor profile, enhancing the cookie's overall taste. Just ensure that the dried fruits are chopped into similar sizes to maintain even distribution in the dough.
What can I do if my dough is too dry?
If your dough seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or an additional egg to help moisten it. Alternatively, increasing the sour cream slightly can also improve the moisture content. Just be cautious not to overmix once you add the liquid.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute in place of all-purpose flour. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together, ensuring your cookies maintain a good 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).