Christmas Angel Cookies

Christmas Angel Cookies Recipe - Delicious, Festive Treats!

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Christmas Angel Cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are filled with candied fruit and almonds, giving them a festive and delicious flavor. They are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering or cookie exchange.

History

The origins of Christmas Angel Cookies are a bit unclear, but they have been a popular holiday treat for many years. These cookies are often associated with Christmas because of their festive ingredients and flavors. They are a favorite among many families during the holiday season.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of shortening
0.5 cup of softened cream cheese
1 cup of light brown sugar
0.5 cup of granulated sugar
2 eggs
3 cups of flour
0.5 tsp of baking soda
0.5 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of vanilla
2 cups of mixed candied fruit
2 cups of broken pecans or almonds

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, cream the shortening and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add the sugars and eggs, and mix well.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together.
Add the flour mixture to the egg and sugar mixture, and add the vanilla.
Mix well.
Add the candied fruit and nuts.
Drop rounded spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 – 12 minutes.
The cookies should be lightly browned at the edges.

Hint

You may need to mix the candied fruit and nuts with your hands; a little shortening on your fingers will prevent the mixture from sticking.

Variations

Swap out the candied fruit for dried cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile.
Use different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, in place of almonds for a unique twist.
Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the shortening and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy for the best texture.

- Be sure to mix the candied fruit and nuts well into the dough for even distribution of flavors.

- Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies for even baking.

- Watch the cookies closely while baking, as they can easily overcook and become too crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Christmas Angel Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a festive and comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the shortening and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy is key to achieving the perfect texture for these cookies. Be sure to mix the dough well to evenly distribute the candied fruit and nuts.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cream cheese on hand, you can use an equal amount of butter as a substitute. You can also use a different type of nut or dried fruit in place of the almonds and candied fruit.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Christmas Angel Cookies ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet when ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Christmas Angel Cookies on a festive platter or cookie tin for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Christmas Angel Cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat. They also pair well with a glass of eggnog or mulled wine for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Angel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Angel Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Angel Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Angel Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Angel Cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Angel Cookies contain small amounts of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E from the almonds and vitamin C from the candied fruit.

Alergens

Christmas Angel Cookies contain nuts and dairy (cream cheese), so they may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Christmas Angel Cookies are a delicious holiday treat that are relatively low in calories and contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats. They are a sweet indulgence that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Christmas Angel Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. These cookies are filled with candied fruit and almonds, giving them a festive and delicious flavor that is sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering. Enjoy these sweet treats with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a cozy and comforting holiday treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Christmas Angel Cookies. It was a cold winter day, just a few weeks before Christmas, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, I came across a worn and tattered piece of paper tucked between the pages, almost as if it had been waiting for me to find it.

Curious, I carefully unfolded the paper and my eyes widened as I read the elegant script that detailed the ingredients and instructions for making these delicate and delicious cookies. The recipe had been written by my great-grandmother, who was known for her baking skills and had passed down many cherished recipes to her daughters and granddaughters.

Excited by the discovery, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing the dough. The scent of butter, sugar, and vanilla filled the kitchen as I mixed and rolled out the dough, cutting out the angel shapes with a cookie cutter that had been in our family for generations.

As the cookies baked in the oven, the aroma of warm spices and sweet vanilla wafted through the house, filling it with a sense of warmth and comfort. When the cookies emerged golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe that would become a cherished tradition in our family for years to come.

I shared the cookies with my family and friends, and they were met with rave reviews. The delicate texture, the subtle sweetness, and the hint of cinnamon and nutmeg all combined to create a truly heavenly treat that was perfect for the holiday season.

Over the years, I have continued to make these Christmas Angel Cookies, each time thinking of my great-grandmother and the legacy of love and tradition that she passed down to me through this simple yet special recipe. I have made them for countless holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and gifts for loved ones, each time receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.

As I bake these cookies each year, I am reminded of the joy and warmth of the holiday season, and the importance of family traditions that connect us to our past and bring us together in the present. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, and the memories and moments it has created for me and my loved ones.

And so, as I prepare to make another batch of Christmas Angel Cookies this holiday season, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of joy, knowing that with each bite, I am keeping alive a piece of my family's history and sharing a little piece of heaven with those I love.