Old-Fashioned Cherry Wink Cookies: The Prize-Winning Recipe with a Cornflake Crunch
Step back in time with these truly delightful and classic Old-Fashioned Cherry Wink Cookies! These aren’t just any cookies; they boast a wonderfully chewy and soft interior that perfectly contrasts with a uniquely crisp and crunchy coating of cornflake cereal on the outside. Every bite is an adventure for your taste buds, featuring a harmonious blend of sweet maraschino cherries, buttery chopped pecans, and tender dates. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition, a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or a comforting treat enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee. Prepare to impress with a cookie that truly has a little bit of everything!
Why These Prize-Winning Cherry Wink Cookies Are a Must-Try
If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting a Cherry Wink Cookie, you are truly in for an unforgettable culinary experience. These aren’t just ordinary cookies; they are a delightful symphony of textures and flavors that captivate from the very first bite. Each cookie is thoughtfully crafted, loaded with a medley of ingredients that deliver distinct chewiness, satisfying softness, and an irresistible crunch. The magic truly happens with the outer layer of crushed cornflakes, which provides a textural marvel that elevates these cookies far beyond your average treat.
The history behind these beloved cookies is as charming as their flavor. The original recipe for Cherry Winks was famously created by Ruth Derousseau, who submitted her innovative creation to the 2nd annual Pillsbury baking contest way back in 1950. Her recipe wasn’t just a participant; it was a bona fide prize-winner, securing its place in baking history. This prestigious origin story explains why these cookies are so revered and frequently make an appearance at holiday cookie exchanges and festive celebrations every single year. Their unique combination of sweet maraschino cherries, rich pecans, tender dates, and the surprising cornflake crust makes them stand out in any cookie assortment, guaranteeing rave reviews and empty plates.
Craving more amazing cookie recipes that ingeniously incorporate the delightful crunch of cornflakes? You’re in luck! Be sure to explore our popular no-bake cornflake cookies, a quick and easy treat perfect for any occasion, or get into the festive spirit with our charming cornflake Christmas wreaths, which are as fun to make as they are to eat. these recipes showcase just how versatile and delicious cornflakes can be in baking, adding that perfect crisp element that everyone loves.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Wink Cookies
Crafting the perfect batch of Cherry Wink Cookies starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Below, we’ll delve into the key components that bring these classic treats to life, along with some helpful substitution suggestions. You can find all precise measurements, a comprehensive list of ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located conveniently at the end of this post. Don’t forget to scroll down for the complete guide!
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Detailed Ingredient Insights & Smart Substitutions
Understanding your ingredients is key to successful baking. Here’s a closer look at the components of these wonderful Cherry Wink Cookies and how you can adapt them to your preferences or what you have on hand.
- DOUGH BASE – The original recipe calls for shortening, which contributes to the characteristic tender and soft texture of these cookies. Shortening helps create a less spread-out, taller cookie, often preferred for its texture stability. However, if you prefer the rich flavor of butter, you can certainly substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Keep in mind that butter has a lower melting point and a higher water content than shortening, which might slightly alter the cookie’s spread or texture. If you only have salted butter available, remember to reduce or omit the additional salt specified in the recipe card to balance the flavors.
- MARASCHINO CHERRIES – These vibrant red cherries are the star of the show, providing a burst of sweet, juicy flavor and their signature festive color. For an extra special touch, especially during the festive season, look for green maraschino cherries! Mixing red and green cherries can make these cookies even more visually appealing and truly holiday-ready. It’s crucial to chop the cherries and pat them very dry with paper towels before adding them to the dough. This step prevents excess moisture from making your cookies soggy and ensures the dough maintains its proper consistency.
- PECANS – Chopped pecans add a delightful nutty flavor and a complementary crunch to the soft cookie. Their rich, buttery notes pair beautifully with the cherries and dates. Don’t have pecans? No problem! Feel free to substitute them with any type of nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, almonds, or even cashews, ensuring they are roughly chopped to a similar size.
- DATES – Dates contribute a wonderful natural sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly. They add depth and a slight caramel-like flavor to the cookies. If dates aren’t to your liking, or if you simply don’t have them on hand, you can easily leave them out entirely. Alternatively, try substituting them with other dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or finely chopped dried apricots for a different twist. Just ensure any substitutions are also finely chopped to integrate well into the dough.
- CORNFLAKES – The hero of the crunchy coating! Coarsely crushed cornflakes create that distinctive crisp shell that gives Cherry Wink Cookies their unique texture contrast. While there isn’t a direct substitute that provides the exact same crunch and flavor profile, you could experiment with other crushed cereals like Rice Krispies for a slightly different, but still crunchy, outer layer.
How to Make Classic Cherry Wink Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For the convenience of a printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, please Jump to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this page. This ensures you have everything you need for a smooth baking experience!
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and shortening. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cookie.
- Incorporate Liquids: To the creamed mixture, add the milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat these ingredients thoroughly until they are fully combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed to ensure even distribution in the dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in the Goodies: Gently stir in the chopped pecans, dates, and chopped maraschino cherries. Use a spatula to fold them into the dough until they are evenly distributed. Be gentle to prevent crushing the delicate cherries and to keep the dough light.
- Form and Coat the Cookies: Use a 1-1/2 to 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out uniform balls of dough. This ensures even baking. In a separate shallow bowl, place your coarsely crushed cornflakes. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the crushed cornflakes, ensuring all sides are well-coated for that signature crunch. Place the coated dough balls onto a lightly greased baking sheet (or one lined with parchment paper), spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Add the Cherry Topping: For an extra festive touch and visual appeal, cut any remaining maraschino cherries in half or into quarters. Gently press a piece of cherry onto the top of each dough ball. This creates a beautiful presentation and signals the delightful cherry flavor within.
- Bake to Perfection & Cool: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cornflake coating is crisp. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on the hot sheet for 2 minutes. This brief resting period helps them set. Then, carefully transfer the cookies with a spatula to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully on the rack ensures maximum crispness and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Baking Tips
Absolutely! Cherry Wink Cookies are excellent for freezing, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for the holidays or unexpected guests. You can store the baked cookies in an airtight container or a large freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to 2 months. For best results, we recommend freezing the cookie dough balls *before* adding the cornflake coating. Simply form the dough balls as instructed, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough slightly, roll them in the crushed cornflakes, top with cherries, and then bake as directed. This method ensures the cornflakes remain perfectly crisp and crunchy when baked.
Baked Cherry Winks are best stored at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out. They will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Storing them in the refrigerator might alter their texture, making them a bit firmer, so room temperature is generally preferred for optimal enjoyment.
For the perfect coating, you want your cornflakes to be coarsely crushed, not powdered. The easiest way to achieve this is to place the cornflakes in a large zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass. Avoid using a food processor, as it can turn them into too fine a crumb. You want varying sizes of flakes to create that delightful textural contrast.
Yes, preparing the dough in advance is a great time-saver! Once you’ve mixed the dough and incorporated all the additions (pecans, dates, cherries), you can cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop and roll. Then proceed with rolling in cornflakes and baking as usual.
Several factors can cause cookies to spread excessively. Ensure your shortening or butter is at the correct room temperature – too soft can lead to spreading. Also, accurately measure your flour; too little flour means less structure. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping and rolling in cornflakes can also help prevent spreading by firming up the fat. Finally, ensure your oven temperature is accurate; an oven that runs too cool will also cause cookies to spread.
Perfect Serving Suggestions for Cherry Wink Cookies
These Old-Fashioned Cherry Wink Cookies are incredibly versatile and suitable for a myriad of occasions. For a simple yet satisfying treat, serve them alongside a tall, frosty glass of cold milk, which perfectly complements their sweetness and crunch. During the festive season, elevate the experience by pairing them with a cup of rich homemade eggnog or a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Their festive appearance, thanks to the maraschino cherries and the unique cornflake coating, makes them an absolute showstopper.
Cherry Wink Cookies are a time-honored classic at holiday cookie swaps, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and often disappear first! Their distinct taste and texture make them memorable. They are also ideal for edible gift-giving during the holidays. Arrange them beautifully in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful, homemade present that everyone will adore. Beyond the holidays, they’re perfect for potlucks, family dessert tables, or simply as a comforting snack to brighten an ordinary day.
More Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try
If you love baking and discovering new cookie delights, you’ve come to the right place! After mastering these delightful Cherry Wink Cookies, why not explore more fantastic recipes from our collection? Here are some other cherished cookie recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Classic Butter Cookies: Simple, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Delicate Snowball Cookies: Powdery, nutty, and perfect for winter gatherings.
- Sweet Thumbprint Cookies: A classic with a jammy center, always a hit.
- Authentic Danish Butter Cookies: Elegant and wonderfully rich, just like the tins you remember.
- Zesty Orange Crinkle Cookies: A citrusy twist on a beloved crinkly classic.
- Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: The ultimate combination for a rich, satisfying treat.
- Fun Reese’s Pieces Cookies: Packed with colorful peanut butter candy for a playful crunch.
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Cherry Wink Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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