Cherry Wink Cookies

Delicious Cherry Wink Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups cornflakes
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the cornflakes, chopped cherries, and nuts (if using).
6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Prepare:

These cherry wink cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, and they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to delight your taste buds.

To start, gather all the necessary ingredients and preheat your oven. Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined.

Next, gently fold in the cornflakes, chopped cherries, and nuts. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts or substitute them with chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist. Once the dough is well mixed, cover it and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie for them to spread slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy these delightful cherry wink cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee.

Preparation Time:

Preparing these cherry wink cookies will take approximately 20 minutes, plus an additional hour for chilling the dough. The baking time is around 10-12 minutes per batch.

Servings:

This recipe makes about 36 delicious cherry wink cookies, depending on the size of your cookies.

Nutrition Facts:

Each serving of these cherry wink cookies contains approximately:

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 2g

These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size.

Tips:

- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture in the cookies.

- Drain the maraschino cherries well before chopping them to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.

- If you prefer a more pronounced cherry flavor, you can add a few drops of cherry extract to the dough.

- For an extra festive touch, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white or dark chocolate.

- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

FAQs:

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze them until firm, then transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can certainly experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly, but you can still enjoy delicious cherry wink cookies even if you follow a gluten-free diet.

Can I use different types of cherries?
Absolutely! While maraschino cherries are commonly used in this recipe, you can substitute them with fresh or frozen cherries. Simply chop them into small pieces before adding them to the dough.

Whether you’re a fan of classic cookies or looking for a unique recipe to add to your collection, these cherry wink cookies are a delightful choice. Their combination of sweet cherries, crunchy cornflakes, and buttery goodness is sure to please everyone who tries them. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!