Miceli'S Cherry Italian Cookies
Sweet and tender Italian cherry cookies with diced cherries and walnuts, perfect for holidays or special occasions, offering a delightful balance of fruity and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, eggs, sugar, baking powder, Crisco, diced cherries, milk, and diced walnuts or raisins until well combined.
- Place spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, approximately 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the diced cherries with dried cranberries or apricots if fresh cherries are out of season. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try adding almond extract to the dough. Keep a close eye while baking to prevent overbaking; cookies should be just golden.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own or served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a more festive touch, serve them as part of a dessert platter with Italian recipes like Pignolia Cookies and Anise Pizzelles. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie exchanges or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miceli'S Cherry Italian Cookies contains roughly 1334 calories, with 31g protein, 206g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 721mg per serving (31% 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 types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on your preference. Just ensure that any nuts used are finely chopped to distribute evenly in the dough.
What is the best way to ensure my cookies are soft and chewy?
To achieve soft and chewy cookies, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Also, slightly underbake them; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance, scoop it into balls, and freeze. Once ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).