Pealing Bells
Delightful bell-shaped cookies with cherry centers, featuring a buttery, sweet flavor and a hint of coconut, perfect for festive gatherings or special treats. Easy to customize.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat margarine with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened.
- Add about half of the flour, all of the sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, baking powder, and optional coconut flavoring to the margarine.
- Beat until combined, scraping sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Beat or stir in the remaining flour.
- Shape the dough into two 6-inch rolls.
- Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap.
- Chill for 2 to 24 hours.
- Cut the dough into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Place slices 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Place a halved maraschino cherry on the bottom half of each slice for a bell clapper, then let the dough stand for 1 to 2 minutes to soften for easier handling.
- Fold in the sides of each slice, overlapping at the top and slightly covering the cherry.
- Pinch the sides to resemble a bell shape.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are firm but not browned.
- Remove the cookies and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you want to add some crunch, try mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Ensure the cherries are well drained to prevent excess moisture in the dough. For a fun twist, you can substitute almond extract for the vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Lemon Chess Pie for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you'd like to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pealing Bells contains roughly 194 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just be sure to check the blend's guidelines for best results, as some may require additional binding agents.
How can I make these cookies more colorful?
You can use colored maraschino cherries or even add a few drops of food coloring to the dough before shaping it. Sprinkles can also be added on top before baking for an extra festive look.
What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can shape it into a log, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for future baking. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and bake as directed.
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).