Cherry Christmas Slices

Cherry Christmas Slices: A Holiday Baking Tradition

The aroma of warm Christmas cookies baking in the oven is one of my favorite holiday memories. It evokes feelings of cozy nights spent with family, the twinkling lights on the tree, and the anticipation of Christmas morning. This year, I'm sharing one of my cherished recipes that has been a holiday staple for generations: Cherry Christmas Slices. These little treats are not just delicious; they're incredibly easy to make ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.

I discovered this recipe years ago in an old Country Woman magazine – a true testament to the enduring appeal of simple, classic recipes. The vibrant red and green candied cherries add a festive touch, while the pecans provide a wonderful textural contrast to the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. The best part? You can make the dough well in advance, freezing it until you're ready to bake. This means you can tackle the baking part when you have more time, avoiding the last-minute holiday rush.

I usually prepare the dough in November, a time when the holiday frenzy hasn't quite set in. The process is straightforward. Simply cream together the softened butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is smooth. Then, gradually incorporate the flour, ensuring it's well combined. Finally, stir in the halved candied cherries and pecans. The dough then gets a good chill in the refrigerator for an hour before being shaped, wrapped, and sent to the freezer for a longer rest. This chilling process ensures that the cookies will hold their shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too much.

When the holiday season arrives, and I'm ready to bake, the process is incredibly simple. I take the frozen rolls from the freezer, slice them into thin rounds, and place them on ungreased baking sheets. A quick 10-12 minutes in a 325-degree oven transforms these frozen slices into golden-brown, perfectly crisp treats. The sweet and slightly tart cherries pair beautifully with the crunchy pecans and rich butter base; it's a match made in holiday heaven.

These Cherry Christmas Slices are not just a delicious treat; they're a symbol of holiday tradition and togetherness. They're perfect for sharing with friends and family, adding a touch of homemade warmth to your holiday gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try. Its ease of preparation and delightful taste make it a holiday classic that will be enjoyed for years to come.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its flexibility. You can adapt it to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, or even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and spice. The possibilities are endless!

So, as you're planning your holiday baking this year, consider adding this simple yet elegant recipe to your repertoire. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delightful way to infuse your home with the warm, sweet spirit of the holidays. The process of making these cookies becomes an experience in itself, allowing for cherished moments of connection and relaxation amid the flurry of holiday preparations. And the result? A plate of golden, delightful Cherry Christmas Slices that will bring joy to everyone who has the pleasure of tasting them. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the cookies will taste. Look for high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and flavorful vanilla extract.
• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill the dough thoroughly: This is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading during baking.
• Bake until golden brown: The edges should be golden brown, and the cookies should be set in the center.
• Cool completely before storing: This prevents the cookies from becoming soggy.

Happy Baking!

Step-by-step

• Cream butter and sugar.
• Add egg and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
• Add flour; mix well.
• Stir in cherries and pecans.
• Chill 1 hour.
• Shape dough into three 10-in. rolls; wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
• Freeze until ready to bake, or up to 2 months.
• To bake, cut frozen rolls into 1/8-in. slices, and place on ungreased baking sheets.
• Bake at 325 degrees until edges are golden brown, 10-12 minutes.
• Cool on wire racks.