Theresa Shea'S Cherry Winks
Theresa Shea's Cherry Winks are delightful cookies packed with chopped nuts, dates, candied cherries, and crunchy corn flakes, perfect for festive occasions and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped dates ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped candied red cherries ⓘ
- 2 2/3 cups crushed corn flakes (to measure 1 1/3 cups)
- 15 red cherries, cut into quarters (candied cherries) ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and beat well.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla.
- Add the flour mixture and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts, dates, and chopped candied cherries.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine for a richer taste. If you don't have candied cherries, dried cherries or cranberries can be a great substitute. Adjust sugar levels if using sweeter alternatives. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts, or replace them with additional dates for extra sweetness. Make sure to crush the corn flakes finely for better adhesion.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Winks are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider presenting them on a platter with other cookies like Walnut Fingers or Date Pie during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Winks 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 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, allowing them to regain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Theresa Shea'S Cherry Winks contains roughly 181 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 525mg per serving (23% 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 make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to help with the texture. The cookies may turn out slightly different but should still be delicious!
What can I use instead of eggs?
For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. This will add moisture and sweetness to the cookies, but the texture may be slightly different. Another option is to use flaxseed meal; mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on them starting from the 10-minute mark.
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).