Introducing the delectable Chocolate & Cherry Stripes, a delightful treat perfect for any occasion but especially ideal for adding a festive touch to your holiday cookie collection. These cookies, originating from Land O Lakes, boast a visually stunning appearance with alternating layers of chocolate and cherry dough, creating an eye-catching striped pattern that’s sure to impress both young and old alike. Plus, they’re not just tasty—they’re also a fun baking project that kids will love to help with, making them a wonderful family activity during the holiday season.
Chocolate & Cherry Stripes Recipe
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Yield: Approximately 7 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup pistachio nuts
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 1 cup melted chocolate
Instructions:
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Prepare Dough:
- In a large mixer bowl, combine sugar and butter.
- Beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl often, until the mixture becomes creamy.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well mixed.
- Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until well incorporated.
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Divide Dough:
- Divide the dough in half.
- Knead the melted chocolate into one half of the dough until it is evenly distributed and forms a chocolate dough.
- Knead the maraschino cherries, pistachio nuts, and pecans into the remaining half of the dough until they are evenly distributed and form a cherry dough.
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Prepare Pan:
- Line an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with plastic food wrap, ensuring that the wrap extends over the ends of the pan.
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Layer Dough:
- Divide each type of dough in half.
- Evenly press half of the chocolate dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Follow by evenly pressing half of the cherry dough on top of the chocolate dough.
- Repeat the layers, alternating between chocolate and cherry doughs, until all the dough is used up.
- Use the plastic wrap to help lift the dough from the pan, then wrap it securely.
- Refrigerate the wrapped dough until it becomes firm, which typically takes around 2 hours or overnight.
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Bake Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator.
- Cut the dough into 1/4-inch slices, then cut each slice into thirds (across the short way).
- Place the sliced cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
These Chocolate & Cherry Stripes cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when their flavors are at their peak and the chocolate is still slightly gooey. However, they also store well in an airtight container for several days, making them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or as a sweet snack throughout the week. With their irresistible combination of rich chocolate and fruity cherry flavors, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household, whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a batch of these delightful striped cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat! 🍪✨
