Cheery Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup dried tart cherries, coarsely chopped
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange peel
1 cup honey-roasted peanuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted (optional)
Directions
Combine cherries and 2 teaspoons of the flour in small bowl; toss to mix well. Set aside.
Beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla in large mixing bowl with electric mixer on medium until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; gradually beat in remaining flour and salt. Add orange peel and cherry mixture; mix to combine.
Divide dough into thirds; shape each third into log 1-1/2 inches in diameter and about inches long. Roll each log in 1/3 cup peanuts. Wrap each log in waxed paper or plastic wrap, twisting ends to seal. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.
Heat oven to 400°F. Unwrap logs and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Place slices 1 to 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in 400°F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove cookies from cookie sheet to wire racks; cool completely. Drizzle cookies with melted chocolate chips for festive appearance, if desired. Store in an airtight container.
Cook’s Tip: Peanuts must be finely chopped to easily slice dough into rounds. Cookie dough logs may be made in advance wrapped airtight and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 weeks. Thaw frozen dough in refrigerator before slicing and baking.
Notes: Makes 7 dozen cookies
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 199
Calories from Fat: 90g
Fat: 9g
Trans fats: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Carbohydrate: 52g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 0.9
Sodium: 105mg
