Festive Cherry Pecan Delight Cookies
Elevate your holiday cookie tray with these Festive Cherry Pecan Delight Cookies! These eye-catching treats combine the sweet, tartness of candied cherries with the rich, buttery flavor of pecans. The dough is flexible and can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for busy holiday baking. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or frozen for later, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and become a cherished addition to your seasonal celebrations. The versatility of this basic cookie dough also allows for creativity with different mix-ins to suit your taste.
50
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
eggs
2 (large, at room temperature)
vanilla extract
3 teaspoons (pure)
all-purpose flour
3 1/4 cups (sifted)
baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
candied cherry
1 cup (chopped)
pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, blending until just incorporated.
4
Fold in the chopped candied cherries and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap.
6
Chill the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to several days. For longer storage, you can also freeze the dough. If frozen, let it thaw slightly before slicing.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the chilled dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
8
Place the slices on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Cherry Pecan Delight Cookies?
They are holiday-themed treats that combine the sweet tartness of candied cherries with the rich flavor of buttery pecans.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 50 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long should I bake the cookies?
Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
How long must the dough be chilled?
The dough needs to be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to several days.
Can the cookie dough be frozen for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough logs; just let them thaw slightly before slicing.
What type of cherries are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped candied cherries.
What kind of nuts should I use?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped pecans, though the dough is versatile enough for other mix-ins.
How thick should I slice the chilled dough?
Unwrap the chilled logs and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
No, the instructions specify placing the slices on an ungreased cookie sheet.
What preparation is needed for the butter?
The butter should be softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
How should I prepare the flour?
The recipe recommends using 3 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the diameter of the dough logs?
Shape each portion of dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter.
How far apart should I space the cookies on the pan?
Space the slices about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet.
Should the eggs be at a specific temperature?
Yes, use 2 large eggs at room temperature.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
When should I add the cherries and pecans?
Fold the chopped candied cherries and pecans into the dough after the dry ingredients have been incorporated.
How should I wrap the dough logs?
Wrap each log tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap before chilling.
How do I cool the cookies after baking?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
What type of vanilla is required?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, salt, cherries, and pecans.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday baking?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a festive holiday treat and Christmas dessert.
What type of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Is the dough flexible?
Yes, the dough is flexible and allows for creativity with different mix-ins to suit your taste.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, the make-ahead nature of the dough makes these perfect for busy holiday schedules.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include cookies, holiday baking, dessert, cherry, pecan, and freezer friendly.
How much baking soda is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much salt is used in the dough?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of salt mixed with the dry ingredients.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients?
Gradually add the whisked flour, baking soda, and salt to the creamed mixture, blending until just incorporated.
What is the final texture of the cookie dough before chilling?
The dough should be well combined and evenly distributed with chopped fruit and nuts before being shaped into logs.