Introducing the delightful “Make-Ahead Cherry Christmas Slices” – a beloved cookie recipe perfect for the festive season and beyond! These delectable treats are not only incredibly scrumptious but also incredibly convenient, as you can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to two months, ensuring you have freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes. 🎄❄️
Recipe Title: Make-Ahead Cherry Christmas Slices
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Christmas, < 30 Mins, Freezer
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 132 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Instructions:
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated and the mixture is fluffy.
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Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition, until a smooth dough forms.
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Stir in Cherries and Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped cherries and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
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Shape into Rolls: Divide the chilled dough into three equal portions. Shape each portion into a 10-inch long roll. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its shape.
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Freeze the Dough: Place the wrapped dough rolls in a resealable freezer bag, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
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Bake the Cookies: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Slice the Dough: Remove the frozen dough rolls from the freezer and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
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Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sliced cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Then, indulge in these buttery, fruity delights!
These Make-Ahead Cherry Christmas Slices are sure to become a holiday favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, gift-giving, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, their irresistible flavor and convenient make-ahead nature make them a must-have recipe in your repertoire. Happy baking! 🍒🍪
