Nana'S Christmas Cookies
Nana's Christmas Cookies are festive treats bursting with candied cherries, pineapple, and crunchy pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges with a sweet, chewy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place candied cherries, ground pecans, and chopped candied pineapple in a bowl.
- Sift flour over the fruit mixture and mix well.
- In a separate glass bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar to the egg whites and beat until glossy and stiff.
- Gently fold the fruit/flour mixture into the egg white mixture.
- Add the chopped nuts and fold until combined.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of the batter onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until light brown.
- Check for doneness by flipping over the cookies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewy texture, be careful not to over-bake the cookies; they should be light brown when done. If you can't find candied cherries, dried cherries can be a suitable substitute, but they will alter the flavor slightly. To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. For a nut-free version, you can replace pecans with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For a festive touch, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combo. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins. Serve them during holiday gatherings or share them as a treat alongside Grandma Kretchmer's Blueberry Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C).
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Christmas Cookies contains roughly 175 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 14g 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure that the nuts are finely chopped or ground to maintain the texture of the cookies.
Is it necessary to use egg whites?
Egg whites are crucial for creating the meringue-like texture in these cookies. If you're looking for an egg-free alternative, you could try aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, as a substitute.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the cookies before baking for a festive appearance. Additionally, incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the holiday 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).