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These Cherry Christmas Cookies started as my grandmother's recipe and they've brightened our holiday season for generations. The way those red cherries sparkle in the buttery cookie dough reminds me of Christmas ornaments. Every time I make them my kitchen fills with that wonderful aroma of sweet cherries and toasted nuts.
A Holiday Classic
What makes these cookies so special is their delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with those sweet cherry surprises. They're simple enough to make with children helping but look absolutely stunning on a holiday cookie platter. My friends request them every year at our cookie exchange.
What You'll Need
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (room temperature), for a rich, buttery base.
- Powdered Sugar: ½ cup, for a delicate sweetness and soft texture.
- Egg: 1 large, to bind the dough and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the cookie flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, for the cookie structure.
- Chopped Nuts: ½ cup, for crunch (use pecans, walnuts, or almonds).
- Candied Cherries: ¾ cup, chopped, for festive color and sweetness.
Let's Make Some Cookies
- Start with Your Base
- Beat that butter and sugar until it's light as snow then mix in your egg and vanilla.
- Add the Good Stuff
- Mix in your flour then fold in those pretty cherries and crunchy nuts.
- Time to Rest
- Shape your dough into logs wrap them up and let them chill until firm.
- Slice and Bake
- Cut into perfect rounds and watch them turn golden in the oven.
Make Them Your Own
Sometimes I drizzle dark chocolate over the top for extra decadence or add a simple glaze. My daughter loves when we mix in dried cranberries alongside the cherries. The green pistachios look especially festive during the holidays.
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Keep Them Fresh
These cookies stay wonderful for a week in an airtight container. I love keeping dough logs in the freezer ready to slice and bake whenever we need some holiday cheer. They make the sweetest gifts wrapped in clear bags with festive ribbons.
Holiday Magic
These cherry cookies bring such joy to our Christmas celebrations. Whether they're nestled in cookie tins or arranged on pretty platters they always add that special touch of sweetness to the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough logs can be wrapped well and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before slicing.
- → What kind of nuts work best?
Walnuts or pecans are recommended, but any chopped nuts will work. Make sure they're finely chopped for easy slicing.
- → How do I get even slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. If the dough starts to soften, return it to the refrigerator briefly.
- → Can I use fresh cherries?
This recipe requires candied cherries as fresh ones would add too much moisture. Dried cherries could work as a substitute.
- → How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
These festive slice-and-bake cookies combine buttery dough with candied cherries and chopped nuts for a perfect holiday treat. Easy to make ahead and bake when needed.