Holiday Jingles
Sweet and nutty holiday cookies with a delightful orange and raisin filling, perfect for festive gatherings and cookie exchanges, appealing to all ages with warm flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine softened butter, brown sugar, egg yolk, grated orange peel, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
- Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, mix together all-purpose flour and salt.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create a thumbprint.
- In a square pan, combine raisins with apple jelly.
- Fill each thumbprint with the raisin and jelly mixture before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the Diamond walnuts before chopping. If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses. To enhance the citrus flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest along with the orange peel. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Jingles are delightful enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, pairing beautifully with Sweetheart Coffee Cake for a festive dessert spread. You can also serve them alongside a cheese platter for a fun holiday gathering. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant 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, consider freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving or reheat briefly in the oven for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Jingles contains roughly 170 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 10g 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 different nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds, depending on your preference. Just ensure they're finely chopped to maintain the texture and flavor balance in the cookies.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you prefer a different fruit, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots work well as substitutes for raisins. They will add a unique flavor and a pop of color to your cookies.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before baking.
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).