Cherry Winks are a classic and festive cookie recipe that combines the flavors of maraschino cherries, pecans, and cornflakes. These cookies are known for their vibrant appearance, thanks to the red cherries, and their delightful crunch from the cornflakes. Cherry Winks are a popular choice for holiday baking and cookie exchanges.
The key ingredient that gives Cherry Winks their name and distinctive flavor is maraschino cherries. These bright red cherries are drained, chopped, and incorporated into the cookie dough. Maraschino cherries provide a sweet and slightly tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
In addition to cherries, Cherry Winks typically include chopped pecans, which add a rich and nutty flavor, and cornflakes cereal, which contributes a satisfying crunch. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique texture profile that sets these cookies apart.
The dough for Cherry Winks is prepared by creaming together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then, the dry ingredients, such as flour, baking powder, and salt, are added to form a thick cookie dough. The cherries, pecans, and cornflakes are gently folded into the dough.
To bake Cherry Winks, small portions of dough are scooped onto a baking sheet and then topped with a maraschino cherry half for an attractive appearance. As the cookies bake, they spread slightly and take on a golden brown hue.
Cherry Winks are a beloved treat during the holiday season and beyond. The combination of flavors and textures, from the sweet cherries to the crunchy cornflakes, makes these cookies a delightful addition to dessert platters and cookie exchanges. Their cheerful appearance and unique taste make them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts of all ages.
Details Cherry Winks Recipes
Servings: 30
Yield: 5 dozen
Ingredients For Cherry Winks Recipes
¾ cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
⅓ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
2 ½ cups crushed cornflakes cereal
10 maraschino cherries, quartered
Instructions: Cherry Winks Recipes
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets.
Step 2: Cream the shortening with the sugar. Blend in the eggs, milk and vanilla.
Step 3: Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the chopped pecans, chopped dates and 1/3 cup maraschino cherries.
Step 4: Shape teaspoonful sized chunks of dough into balls. Roll each ball in the crushed corn flakes. Place balls on the prepared baking sheets and top each cookie with 1/4 maraschino cherry.
Step 5: Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
A holiday favorite in my family. I have the recipe my grandmother cut off of a corn flakes box. And somewhere I also have the recipe my mom cut off a corn flakes box.
I’ve used this recipe several times and love how the cookies turn out. It’s just like my mother made. I have made it with a regular hand mixer and also used a food processor. Honestly, I prefer it in the food processor because the dates and other ingredients are more finely chopped and blended together.
I chill the dough and then it rolls nicely
My husband and his family love these and I just can't figure out why. It's way too much work involved, so hubby makes them every year for the past 30 yrs. They are just tasteless to me.
These were my favorite cookie 55 yrs ago. My mom send them to me while I was in the army. She got the recipe from the back of a Kellogs cereal box. Been looking for this recipe for years. I added small bits of pineapple to a few of cookies when I baked them. YUM YUM
This is a super old recipe that I believe was originally on the Kellogg corn flakes box. I'm in my 60's and my mom made them every year at Christmas and I've kept up the tradition. My mom never rolled them in the cornflakes though so I've never had them that way and they taste and look great just plain. They work well as a drop cookie and it is a little simpler to make. It is important to add the cherry on top to get that festive look. Oh, and I do substitute butter for shortening.
They turned out really well. Next time I will make them smaller.
I found the dough to be too sticky as well, I added about 1/4 more flour and refrigerated for about an hour. they still spread out quite a bit. Next time I make I think I will use less butter. They were delicious though even with the extra flour.
A true favorite in my home. Don't be scared off by the dates . They almost go unnoticed when you eat the cookie.
To create delightful Cherry Winks, gather ingredients like maraschino cherries, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, butter, sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, salt, and green candied cherries. These components come together to make a festive and chewy cookie with a delightful combination of cherry and nut flavors.
✅How Do You Prepare Cherry Winks?
Preparing Cherry Winks is a fun baking adventure. Start by draining and chopping the maraschino cherries, and also chop the green candied cherries. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add an egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients like all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, then fold in the chopped cherries and chopped pecans. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and flatten each cookie with a cherry half. Bake until they're golden brown and enjoy these festive treats.
✅Can You Make Cherry Winks in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare Cherry Winks in advance. Once baked and completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. They maintain their freshness well. You can also freeze the cookies for longer-term storage. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
✅Are There Variations or Additions to Enhance Cherry Winks?
While Cherry Winks are delicious as is, you can add creative twists to enhance their flavor. Consider adding a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for added texture and flavor. Some recipes incorporate coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own.
✅Is Cherry Winks Suitable for Dietary Restrictions?
Cherry Winks can be adapted to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. For a lower-sugar version, reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute. If nut allergies are a concern, simply omit the chopped pecans or replace them with a nut-free alternative. Always check labels and consider individual dietary needs when preparing these cookies.