Nell'S Christmas Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Sweet and festive Christmas cookies featuring a cake mix base, nuts, and orange slices, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup nuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 28 small orange slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, water, vanilla, nuts, and orange slices until well combined.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden.
  5. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a chewier texture, consider adding an extra egg or substituting half of the oil with applesauce. You can also experiment with different nuts or dried fruits based on your preference. If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. These cookies are reminiscent of the flavors in Dottie'S Easy Peach Cobbler, making them a delightful treat.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. For a festive presentation, consider decorating them with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate on top. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Don’t forget to check out other American recipes for more holiday inspiration!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy them warm later, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nell'S Christmas Cookies contains roughly 2442 calories, with 26g protein, 449g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (66% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

2442 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.7g 51% DV
Total Fat 54.8g 70% DV
Carbs 449.2g 100% DV
Fiber 6.5g 23% DV
Sugar 3.2g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 532.9mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 77.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38.9mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 852.7mg 66% DV
Iron 7.2mg 40% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg

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 make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients, like nuts and orange slices, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy them without worry.

What can I use instead of nuts?

If you want to omit the nuts due to allergies or personal preference, you can replace them with more orange slices, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for additional flavor and texture. This will keep the cookies delicious while accommodating different dietary needs.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles or festive-themed chocolate candies to the batter before baking. You can also try using different flavored extracts, like almond or peppermint, to enhance the holiday spirit. These small changes can elevate your cookie game significantly!

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).

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