Holly Sprigs
Delightful holly sprigs cookies feature buttery richness, sweet raspberry preserves, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for festive occasions and cookie exchanges, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sifted sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the sifted flour, vanilla, and ground walnuts to form a dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, a level teaspoon at a time.
- Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet.
- Press down each ball to form 1-inch rounds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Join two cookies with a spoonful of raspberry preserves to make sandwich cookies.
- Sprinkle the assembled cookies generously with sifted 10x sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the ground walnuts before adding them to the dough. If you don't have raspberry preserves, other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot can also be used as delicious alternatives. Make sure to sift the powdered sugar before sprinkling to ensure a smooth finish. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be made ahead for events.
Serving Suggestions
These Holly Sprigs make a delightful addition to holiday cookie trays and pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Hot Artichoke Dip (Low Fat Recipe) at gatherings. You can also dust them with additional powdered sugar right before serving for an extra sweet touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holly Sprigs contains roughly 151 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 13g 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground walnuts with ground pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still result in delicious cookies.
What is the best way to ensure the cookies keep their shape?
To maintain the shape of the cookies, be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will help prevent spreading during baking. Also, make sure to press the balls down gently but firmly to ensure even baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just check the blend's instructions for any adjustments, as some may require additional binding agents to achieve the right 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).