Cherry Walnut Bars

Nutty Cherry Rounds bring holiday cheer with their colorful look and tasty combo. Blending crunchy toasted walnuts with colorful red and green candied cherries makes these treats pop on the plate. They're great for parties, cookie swaps, or wrapped up as presents during the festive season.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Butter: 1 cup, room temp so it mixes better in your dough
• Confectioner's sugar: 1 cup, gives a nice sweetness and keeps cookies soft
• Egg: 1 large, not cold from fridge for smooth mixing
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, adds that warm background taste
• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, forms the base of your cookies
• Chopped toasted walnuts: 1 cup, for that amazing crunch and flavor
• Chopped candied cherries: 2 cups (red & green), making things festive and sweet

HOW TO MAKE THEM

Step 1:

Cream your room temp butter with confectioner's sugar until it's fluffy and light, roughly 3 minutes.

Step 2:

Add your egg and vanilla, then stir until everything's mixed well.

Step 3:

Slowly put in the flour and mix until you've got nice smooth cookie dough.

Step 4:

Fold in your walnuts and candied cherries with a wooden spoon.

Step 5:

Form an 18-inch log on some parchment, wrap it up tight, and stick it in the fridge for at least an hour.

Step 6:

Get your oven heated to 325°F and put parchment or a silicone mat on your baking sheet.

Step 7:

Cut your cold dough into 1/4-inch slices and place them on your sheet about an inch apart.

Step 8:

Bake them for 10-12 minutes until you see the edges turning slightly brown.

Step 9:

Let them sit on the hot pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a rack to finish cooling.

Eating and Keeping Fresh

• Enjoy these cookies with hot tea or coffee for the best holiday vibes.
• Keep them in a sealed container and they'll stay yummy for about a week.

Good to Know

• When you toast the walnuts first, they taste way better in your cookies.
• Want softer cookies? Take them out just before they're fully done.

Pro Baker Advice

• Try adding a tiny bit of almond extract to make the cherry flavor really pop.

Jolly Holiday Treats: Walnut Cherry Rounds

These tasty treats pack all the holiday feelings into each bite. The buttery base with crunchy nuts and sweet cherries really hits the spot. Make them ahead and you'll have one less thing to worry about during busy celebrations.

Why Cold Dough Matters

When you chill your dough, you can cut clean slices and the cookies won't spread too much while baking. It takes extra time but trust me, the cookies will look better and taste amazing.

Common Questions

Can I swap out candied cherries for something else?

Sure thing, dried cranberries or raisins work fine, but your cookies won't have that same Christmas look.

How do I make these if I can't eat gluten?

Just grab a baking-friendly gluten-free flour mix to replace the regular flour.

Is it okay to freeze the dough?

Absolutely, wrap it up good in plastic and it'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What's the easiest way to toast walnuts?

Spread them out on a baking sheet, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, and stir them around once or twice.

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Conclusion

With a mix of buttery richness, crunchy walnuts, and colorful candied cherries, Cherry Walnut Bars are the ultimate festive treat. The steps are simple: prepare the dough, add the walnuts and cherries, chill, slice into bars, and bake to perfection. A great pick for swapping, gift-giving, or just enjoying at your table, they have the perfect soft bite. Their holiday colors make them a standout for Christmas gatherings or cozy winter evenings. Whether added to a cookie tray or paired with tea, they're sure to delight everyone.