Cream Cheese Dainties Recipe
Overview:
Cream Cheese Dainties are delightful little treats that are both easy to make and utterly delicious. I stumbled upon this recipe in a magazine, and since then, they’ve become a staple on my holiday cookie plate. With their creamy texture, nutty flavor, and a hint of sweetness from the cherries, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s Christmas or any other occasion!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 82.7 per serving
- Fat Content: 5.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 0.2mg
- Sodium Content: 98.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 6.8g
- Fiber Content: 0.8g
- Sugar Content: 3.1g
- Protein Content: 2g
Ingredients:
- 3 oz fat-free cream cheese
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 pinches of salt
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries
- Crushed almonds (for rolling)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 2 | In a mixing bowl, cream together the fat-free cream cheese, margarine, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in almond extract for added flavor. |
| 3 | In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until well combined. |
| 4 | Chill the dough for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. This step helps the dough firm up for easier handling. |
| 5 | Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll them in crushed almonds until evenly coated. Place the coated balls 1 1/2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. |
| 6 | Top each cookie with a slice of maraschino cherry for a burst of color and flavor. |
| 7 | Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-browning. |
| 8 | Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. |
| 9 | Enjoy these Cream Cheese Dainties with a glass of milk or a cup of your favorite hot beverage! They make for a delightful snack or a sweet addition to any dessert spread. |
Recipe Notes:
- Yield: This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before shaping into balls.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage; just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Variations: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! You can use different types of nuts or even sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Keywords:
Cookie & Brownie, Fruit, Nuts, High In…, Christmas, < 30 Mins, Oven
These Cream Cheese Dainties are a delightful blend of creamy, nutty, and sweet flavors that are sure to impress your friends and family. Give this recipe a try for your next baking adventure, and watch as these little treats disappear in no time! 🍒🍪
