No-Bake Holiday Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

These no-bake holiday cookies are delightful treats featuring dates, walnuts, and vanilla wafers, flavored with whiskey and coated in colorful sugar. Perfect for festive gatherings, they combine rich, sweet, and nutty flavors with a fun, decorative touch, making them an easy and charming dessert option.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb pitted dates
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 box vanilla wafers
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup whiskey
  • red sugar

Instructions

  1. Finely grind the pitted dates, walnuts, and vanilla wafers together.
  2. Add sugar and whiskey to the mixture and form into small balls.
  3. Roll the balls in red and green colored sugar.
  4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, soak the pitted dates in warm water for 10 minutes before grinding. If walnuts are not available, pecans or almonds can be used as substitutes. Keep the mixture slightly sticky to help the sugar adhere better when rolling. For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These no-bake cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a treat alongside a glass of Fruit Punch Slush.

Serving Suggestions

These festive cookies make a delightful addition to any holiday dessert platter. Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy pairing. They also pair beautifully with Peanut Butter Dessert for those who enjoy a mix of flavors. Consider garnishing with extra colored sugar or a dusting of cocoa powder for added visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating

Store the no-bake holiday cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks. For best results, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These cookies do not require reheating; simply serve them cold or at room temperature for maximum flavor and texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No-Bake Holiday Cookies contains roughly 506 calories, with 9g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

506 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.6g 17% DV
Total Fat 23.8g 31% DV
Carbs 73.5g 27% DV
Fiber 8.7g 31% DV
Sugar 19.7g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 131mg 6% DV
Potassium 542.5mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 12.8mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.9mcg
Vitamin C 43.4mg 48% DV
Calcium 76.2mg 6% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Tree nuts

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 without whiskey?

Yes, you can replace the whiskey with apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version. This will still provide a sweet flavor without the alcohol. Additionally, if you prefer a richer taste, consider using a flavored syrup as a substitute.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To enhance the festive appearance, you can mix red and green sugar for rolling the cookies. Additionally, consider adding chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the mixture for added color and texture, making them visually appealing and delicious.

Can I freeze these cookies for later?

Yes, these cookies can be frozen! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

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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