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My grandma's Cherry Christmas Cookies have lit up our winter festivities for years. The bright red cherries dotted through buttery dough look just like tiny holiday decorations. Whenever I bake them, my home gets filled with that sweet mix of cherry scent and toasty nuts.
Beloved Holiday Treat
The magic of these cookies comes from their soft, tender bite paired with those sweet cherry bits throughout. They're easy enough for kids to help make but still look amazing on any Christmas cookie display. Every year at our cookie swap, they're always the first ones everyone asks for.
Your Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened), creating that velvety foundation.
- Powdered Sugar: ½ cup, giving that gentle sweetness and soft bite.
- Egg: 1 large, holding everything together nicely.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, boosting the overall taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, forming the main structure.
- Chopped Nuts: ½ cup, adding texture (walnuts, almonds, or pecans work great).
- Candied Cherries: ¾ cup, diced, bringing holiday color and sweetness.
Baking Steps
- Create Your Mixture
- Whip butter and sugar till fluffy then stir in egg and vanilla.
- Mix In Ingredients
- Blend in your flour then gently add those colorful cherries and nuts.
- Cool Down
- Form into logs wrap them tight and let them sit in the fridge until hardened.
- Bake Until Perfect
- Cut into rounds and bake until they're just golden around the edges.
Custom Touches
I'll sometimes add melted dark chocolate on top for more richness or mix in a simple sugar glaze. My little girl prefers when we toss in dried cranberries with the cherries. Green pistachios make them look extra festive around Christmas time.
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Storage Tips
These treats stay good for a week when kept in sealed containers. I always keep a few dough logs in my freezer to bake up whenever we want some holiday spirit. They're perfect gifts too, just pop them in clear bags with bright ribbons.
Seasonal Wonder
These cherry treats really bring something special to our Christmas gatherings. You'll find them tucked in cookie boxes or laid out on fancy plates, always adding that extra bit of holiday sweetness we all look forward to.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep the dough early?
Absolutely. Wrap the dough tightly to store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost before baking.
- → Which nuts taste best?
We recommend pecans or walnuts, though any nuts will do. Just finely chop them so the slices stay neat.
- → Any tips for even cuts?
A sharp knife is key. Clean it after every slice. If the dough softens, pop it back in the fridge to chill.
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead?
Nope, those aren't ideal. Candied cherries are needed for the texture, but dried cherries could be a handy swap.
- → How long can I keep these cookies?
You can store them in an airtight box for 5 days. Layer with parchment to avoid them sticking to each other.
Conclusion
These buttery cookies combine candied cherries and crunchy nuts for a delightful holiday favorite. Keep the dough ready to slice and bake anytime.