Christmastime Cherry Winks

Remember when all that mattered on Christmas was if you got that Spin and Twirl Barbie? Or, for the fellas, a powerhouse game of Crossfire? I don’t think I’m alone in missing that feeling. Growing up, however, requires that we appreciate the finer things, such as the marvel of LED lights and the “fun” of preparing for holiday company. Wait! Don’t turn away, I’m no Grinch. Lately I’ve just been trying to think of ways to replicate that same Christmasey, “It’s almost here!” type of enthusiasm. Christmas cookies help tremendously with this hot-topic issue.

I love all Christmas cookies. Gingerbread, sugar, yada, yada, yada, they’re all wonderful. Sometimes, though, they can be a little boring. Christmas boring, which is different from everyday boring. I can still look at a frosted sugar cookie shaped like Santa and still think, “Aww..,” but it’s the same type of cookie on every table across the country. Is it too much to ask for pizazz in a Christmas cookie? Seriously, man, VISUALIZE.

Cherry Winks are the kind of cookie that is unexpected, delicious, and super, super cute. Each bite crunches with pecans and crushed Corn Flakes, but also has a chewiness from dates and cherries. The steps are easy, especially with pre-chopped pecans and dates available at grocery stores. I know the Corn Flakes part sounds a little iffy, but trust me, it works. To crush them, I just pour the flakes in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, zip it up, and roll over the contents with a rolling pin. The result is fine crumbs that make a perfect coating for the sticky dough. I can’t help but think if someone doesn’t like these cookies, they’re nuts. Just plain old bonkers.

Christmastime Cherry Winks

Adapted from Louisa “Moe” Zimmerman

Makes about 5 dozen cookies

Preheat Oven to 375 degrees. Grease cookie sheet.

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup dates, chopped
½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
4 cups of crushed corn flakes, crushed and set aside

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) EXCEPT for Corn Flakes.

In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Mix in the 2 eggs, milk, and vanilla. Blend in dry ingredients and mix well. Add in chopped pecans, dates, and maraschino cherries and mix all well.

Scoop dough with a tablespoon and then shape into balls. Roll each ball of dough in crushed Corn Flakes. Place on greased cookie sheet.

Top each cookie with a ¼ of a maraschino cherry (for Christmas alternate between green and red cherries). Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool on sheet for about a minute and transfer to cooling rack.

Note: If you want to make these in advance for the holiday, they can be frozen in an airtight container or cookie tin. Just separate each layer with wax paper so they don’t stick together.

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Comments 2 Comments
Categories Sweets

2 Responses to “Christmastime Cherry Winks”

Linda December 10, 2010 at 3:05 pm #

Sounds really yummy! Can’t wait to try them. ;D

P.S. Love the site!

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scaredofcooking December 10, 2010 at 10:16 pm #

Thanks, Linda! The site’s definitely a work in progress, but I really appreciate the support! Cherry winks are amazing. They look a little nutty (hahahahahaha), but so addictive. I’ve had to freeze a batch because I kept taking half a cookie, then another half, then just eating another whole cookie…

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