Cherry Wink Cookies Sweet Crunchy (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - 1 cup shortening
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2½ tablespoons half-and-half
10 - 1¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
12 - 1 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped
13 - ⅓ cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and patted dry
14 - 2 cups cornflakes, roughly crushed
15 - 15 maraschino cherries, patted dry and quartered

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
02 - Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk the flour, 1 cup of crushed cornflakes, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.
03 - Using either a stand mixer or a medium mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the shortening and granulated sugar for 1 to 1½ minutes.
04 - Lower the mixer speed to low. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg. Add in the half-and-half and vanilla. Mix just until incorporated.
05 - Keeping the mixer speed on low, slowly add in the flour mixture. Mix just until well combined.
06 - Fold in the pecans, dates, and chopped cherries.
07 - Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, scoop out the cookie dough. Roll the scooped dough in the 2 cups of crushed cornflakes. Once the dough is completely coated, shape it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet, spacing coated dough balls 2 inches apart.
08 - Place one quartered cherry in the center of each dough ball.
09 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottom edge of the cookie is golden.
10 - Allow the cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to completely cool.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure cherries are dry by patting them with a paper towel to prevent excess liquid in the dough.
02 - Adjust baking time for larger or smaller cookies while keeping a close eye to avoid overcooking.
03 - Dust hands with flour or use cooking spray to handle dough more easily.
04 - Check oven temperature accuracy periodically to ensure proper baking.

Back