Merry Cookies
Festive and hearty, Merry Cookies combine candied fruit, dates, and pecans for a chewy, flavorful treat perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and add sugar; beat until fluffy.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Combine candied fruit, chopped dates, flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Add the fruit and date mixture to the batter.
- Stir in applesauce, vanilla, and chopped pecans.
- Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of salt to the dough. If you don't have candied fruit, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be a pleasing substitute. You can also replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier taste, feel free to increase the cinnamon or add nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
These Merry Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. They make an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters or can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert. They also pair beautifully with Easy Pumpkin Bread for a seasonal spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Merry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave for a few seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to regain their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Cookies contains roughly 2259 calories, with 14g protein, 277g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 811mg per serving (35% 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! While chopped pecans add a wonderful crunch, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts, depending on your preference. Just chop them roughly to ensure they blend well into the cookie dough.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, consider using flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the cookies moist.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To enhance the festive appearance of your Merry Cookies, consider adding colorful sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar on top after baking. You could also incorporate some seasonal spices like nutmeg or allspice into the dough for added warmth and flavor.
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).