Nut Nuggets
Nut Nuggets are delightful cookies featuring chopped pecans and optional maraschino cherries, with a rich, buttery flavor perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and cream cheese; gradually add sugar, beat until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and almond extract, mix well.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; stir mixture into creamed mixture.
- Chill or freeze dough.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls, and roll in chopped pecans.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Gently press a halved maraschino cherry or pecan into the center of each cookie.
- Bake at 350°F for 16 to 18 minutes.
- Cool on racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you're short on pecans, walnuts can work as a great alternative. Make sure to chill the dough sufficiently before shaping; this helps maintain the shape while baking and ensures that the cookies are tender. The recipe also allows for variations, such as adding chocolate chips for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Nut Nuggets make a delightful treat on their own, but they can also be served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter with Shirley'S Caramel Pie for dessert. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Nut Nuggets 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 place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes, allowing them to regain their softness without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nut Nuggets contains roughly 1250 calories, with 15g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2540mg per serving (110% 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely to maintain the texture of the cookies.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to shape, try chilling it in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes. This will help firm it up. Alternatively, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is manageable.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the racks, so avoid overbaking them for the best texture.
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).