I know I shared photos of my little kitchen helper with you this morning this afternoon (since I forgot to post this morning), but I also owe you a recipe! Cooper was such a mess this weekend, ALL over the place in the kitchen, that I had to offer him a relaxing afternoon by himself in the comfort of the upstairs bedroom : )
Today’s recipe is adapted from an amazing cookie that I first made years ago before I even knew about blogging. You know…back in the day when all of my recipes were piled together in a binder. I still have this binder and I was reminded of this cookie while flipping through the recipes trying to figure out my cookie baking list. These cookies were a HUGE hit the last time I made them!
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find macadamia nuts at the one store that I went to. I know this is common and they are expensive, so I figured I would try an alternative using the cashews hanging out in my pantry.
And dried cherries that I picked up in Door County this fall that I subbed in for the cranberries.
I know that these cookies aren’t much for the eyes, but what they lack in visual appeal, they certainly make up for in taste.
These cookies are soft and chewy with a really unique flavor! Although the macadamia butter cookies are still the BEST, this cashew version has a lot to offer.
I would definitely think about adding this spin on the classic peanut butter to your holiday baking list or save it for your next cookie swap!
Note: They freeze well!
12 Days of Recipes
Cashew Butter Cookies with Cherries
Adapted form Macadamia Butter Cookies with Dried Cranberries
Ingredients
2/3 cup cashews
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup sweetened dried cherries, chopped
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°.
Place nuts in a food processor; process until smooth (about 2 minutes), scraping sides of bowl once. Combine nut butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed. Add vanilla and egg; beat well.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg, stirring with a whisk. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture; beat at low speed just until combined (mixture will be very thick). Stir in chopped cherries. Chill 10 minutes.
Divide chilled dough into 30 equal portions; roll each portion into a ball. Place 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a small bowl. Lightly press each ball into sugar; place each ball, sugar side up, on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or Silpat.
Gently press the top of each cookie with a fork. Dip the fork in water; gently press the top of each cookie again to form a crisscross pattern. Place 15 cookies on each of 2 baking sheets.
Store in airtight container or freeze in Ziploc bag.
I’m sorry but I thought Cooper was a riot helping you! However it is hard to get things done with all that cuteness hanging out. The cookies sound awesome (should they have been called Cashew butter??).
Um yes that makes way more sense!!! Ha ha!
You only think he’s a riot because he’s not stalking your kitchen : ) Don’t get me wrong, I still love him to death but this ‘terrible twos’ phase he has entered is exhausting!
Hope he enjoyed his ‘quiet time’!
Those cookies do sound marvellous, and like a nice alternative from regular peanut butter.
Me too! They are really fun and I’m sure he just took a nap and then came out with more energy to spare!
Sasha has been a real BUTT lately too!! SHE DOES NOT SLEEP.
What is up with that? Is it the full moon???
I love dried cherries in… well, anything. They’re underutilized in the baking world. Great substitution. And I’m 1000% sure Cooper slept the entire time and didn’t even realize he was on time out.
You are so right! I found him happily curled up in the chair! I agree on the cherries. I pick up a huge bag in Door County each year for baking and snacking.
These sound great, and I love the changes you made to the recipe – I think I like your version better than the original. =) They sound and look delicious!
Thank you Amy! It’s always fun when I try something new and it actually turns out : )
Awesome!! These look light and delightful!!
Hope you enjoy! Happy Holidays!!!
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