Bon Bon Christmas Cookies
An Enchanting Holiday Treat: Bon Bon Christmas Cookies
Nothing says festive quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Bon Bon Christmas Cookies are a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors that are sure to bring joy to your holiday gatherings. These cookies have a tender, buttery base wrapped around a juicy maraschino cherry, making them as eye-catching as they are delicious. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange or just want to treat your family to a homemade delight, these cookies are a perfect choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: These cookies look beautiful on a holiday platter and offer a unique twist from the usual cookie fare.
- Flavorful Surprise: Each cookie hides a sweet maraschino cherry center, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.
- Rich and Creamy: Made with cream cheese and butter-flavored shortening, the dough is rich and tender.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with different toppings or fillings.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie sheets
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife or pastry cutter
Ingredients
- 1/2 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 jars (10 oz each) maraschino cherries, drained
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together the shortening and cream cheese until well blended.
- Stir in the flour. You may need to use your hands to help it form a dough. If the mixture seems too dry, add a couple of teaspoons of water.
- Cover the dough and chill for several hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets.
- Before rolling out the dough, dust the rolling surface heavily with confectioners’ sugar.
- Roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 1×4 inch strips.
- Place a cherry on the end of each strip. Roll up each strip starting with the cherry.
- Place on prepared cookie sheets and dust with a little confectioners’ sugar.
- Bake for 7 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Cookies should brown slightly.
- Dust again with confectioners’ sugar. Allow cookies to cool before serving as the cherries will be very hot!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your dough is well-chilled to make it easier to handle and to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Dusting the rolling surface with confectioners’ sugar prevents sticking and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Watch the cookies closely as they bake; they should be only slightly browned.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Try soaking the cherries in rum overnight for an adult twist on the classic recipe.
- Roll the cookies in red icing and coconut for a festive finish.
- Use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor, as preferred by some bakers.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
While precise nutritional values can vary, each serving of Bon Bon Christmas Cookies is approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: Fresh cherries can be used, but they might not provide the same sweetness and moisture as maraschino cherries. Be sure to pit them first!
Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes, the dough can be made and chilled up to two days in advance, making this a great make-ahead treat.
Conclusion
Bon Bon Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family. Their unique taste and festive appearance make them a standout on any dessert table. Give this recipe a try and let us know how your cookies turn out! We’d love to hear about your own twists and variations. Happy baking!
