Jim Dandies
Jim Dandies are rich, chocolatey cookies with maraschino cherries and pecans, topped with marshmallow cream, perfect for holidays or special treats for sweet tooths.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marshmallow cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift the flour, soda, and salt together.
- Cream the butter, brown sugar, and egg together.
- Gradually stir in half of the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Add cherry juice and milk to the mixture.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients, then blend in melted unsweetened chocolate, chopped pecans, and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
- While still warm, spoon marshmallow cream onto each cookie and let cool.
- Frost with icing if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with cream cheese. If you don't have maraschino cherry juice, cherry juice or a splash of grenadine can work as a substitute. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps for a smoother batter. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful served warm, topped with marshmallow cream. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For an extra treat, consider serving them alongside a slice of Holiday Ripple Cake for a festive dessert platter. They also make an excellent addition to a cookie exchange or holiday gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Jim Dandies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jim Dandies contains roughly 1007 calories, with 14g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 785mg per serving (34% 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 instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them finely to ensure they mix well into the batter. Each type of nut will impart its unique flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.
What can I use if I don't have unsweetened chocolate?
If you don't have unsweetened chocolate, you can substitute it with cocoa powder. For every ounce of unsweetened chocolate required, use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder along with 1 tablespoon of butter or oil to maintain the fat content.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are set around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, which can make them dry.
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).