Sweet Cherry Surprises

Cherry Wink Cookies are delightful, old-fashioned treats that perfectly blend a satisfying chewiness with a subtle crunch, instantly transporting you back to cherished memories of simpler times. These vintage cookies feature a rich, buttery dough generously studded with sweet dates and crunchy pecans. Each cookie is then rolled in a delicate coating of crushed cornflakes and crowned with a vibrant maraschino cherry, making them an undeniable classic and a true joy to behold and taste.

The Enduring Legacy of Cherry Wink Cookies: A Sweet History

The story of the iconic Cherry Wink Cookie begins in 1950, when Pillsbury hosted its second annual national baking contest. This prestigious competition brought together talented home bakers from across the United States, each vying for the top prize with their unique recipes. It was Ruth Derousseau of Wisconsin who captured the judges’ hearts and palates with her innovative and delicious Cherry Wink Cookie recipe, earning her the coveted winner’s title. Since then, this distinctive cookie has become a beloved fixture in American kitchens, making appearances in countless cookie exchanges, holiday platters, and family gatherings nationwide. Even after more than seven decades, the Cherry Wink Cookie remains incredibly popular, a testament to its timeless appeal and delightful flavor profile. Its vibrant red cherry topping makes it a perfect, festive addition to any celebration, especially during the holidays. Imagine a batch of these beautiful cookies gracing your holiday table or patiently waiting for Santa’s arrival.

If your inner cookie monster is eager for more delightful discoveries, consider exploring other classic cookie recipes such as: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, Old Fashioned Iced Molasses Cookies, or Pecan Butter Cookies.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Wink Cookie Recipe

Crafting the perfect batch of Cherry Wink Cookies relies on a selection of straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create these nostalgic treats.

Sugar: White granulated sugar is the cornerstone of these cookies, providing essential sweetness and contributing to their tender texture and golden-brown finish.

Shortening: Shortening is key to achieving the distinctive crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior of Cherry Wink Cookies. While any shortening works, opting for a non-hydrogenated variety is a great choice for those mindful of their ingredients.

Milk: A touch of milk adds moisture to the dough, helping to bind the ingredients and create a cohesive consistency. Feel free to use any type of milk you have on hand; skim milk was used in the original recipe, but whole or 2% milk will also work beautifully.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the fruit and nuts. Real vanilla extract offers the best depth of flavor, but imitation vanilla is a perfectly acceptable alternative if that’s what you have.

Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the dough, adding richness, and contributing to the cookie’s structure and rise. Large white eggs are commonly used in baking, but brown, organic, or free-range eggs are equally suitable and will yield excellent results.

All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour provides the primary structure for these delicious cherry winks. Ensure you measure it correctly, preferably by weight, or by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off, to avoid a dense cookie.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in tandem to give the cookies their ideal lift and texture. Any reputable brand of baking powder and baking soda will ensure your cookies rise properly.

Salt: A small amount of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavors of these cherry wink cookies, making every bite more satisfying.

Pecans: Chopped pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to the cookies. Unsalted pecans are recommended so you can control the salt content of the recipe. If you can find pre-chopped pecans, it saves a step, otherwise, a quick chop at home works perfectly.

Dates: Sweet, chewy chopped dates are a signature ingredient, providing bursts of caramel-like sweetness and a delightful textural contrast. Make sure they are finely chopped to distribute evenly throughout the dough.

Maraschino Cherries: These vibrant red cherries are integral to the Cherry Wink name and flavor. You’ll need them chopped for the cookie batter and halved or quartered for the signature topping. Locate them in the canned fruit aisle of your grocery store. It’s essential to chop them and then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough consistency and the spread of your cookies.

Corn Flakes Cereal: The distinctive crunchy coating comes from coarsely crushed cornflakes. Any brand of cornflakes cereal will work; just ensure they are crushed to a size that will adhere well to the dough balls, providing that iconic crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Cherry Wink Cookies

Creating these classic Cherry Wink Cookies is a rewarding baking experience. Follow these detailed steps for a batch of perfectly chewy and crunchy delights.

Step 1: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and shortening. Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, beat these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended, light, and fluffy. Remember to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. This creaming process is crucial for a tender cookie texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Liquid and Eggs. Next, add the milk, vanilla extract, and eggs to the creamed mixture. Continue beating on medium speed until all these wet ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and uniform batter. Ensure the eggs are fully integrated into the mixture.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Beat until a cohesive dough forms. It’s important to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to fully incorporate all the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Fold in Flavorful Add-ins. Once the dough has formed, gently stir in the chopped pecans, chopped dates, and the chopped maraschino cherries. Use a spatula or a spoon to fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The goal is to incorporate them without crushing them too much.

Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended). If your dough feels a bit too soft or sticky to handle, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 15 minutes. This chilling period makes the dough firmer and much easier to shape, preventing it from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your cookie sheets by lightly spraying them with cooking spray or, for best results and easy cleanup, line them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.

Step 7: Coat and Shape. Place the coarsely crushed cornflakes in a shallow dish. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of cookie dough into the cornflakes. Roll each piece of dough thoroughly in the cornflakes, ensuring it’s completely coated. Then, gently shape the coated dough into smooth balls. Place these balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to allow for proper spreading.

Step 8: Add the Signature “Wink.” Lightly press a maraschino cherry quarter (or half, depending on desired visual) onto the top of each cookie dough ball. This creates the signature “wink” and adds a final touch of color and flavor.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection. Bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes, or until their edges are lightly golden brown. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The cookies should be set but still appear slightly soft in the center.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy. Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 1 minute before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period on the hot sheet helps them firm up before moving.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Wink Cookies

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Cherry Wink Cookies turn out perfectly every time.

What cereal can I use instead of cornflakes? To truly honor the original 1950 Pillsbury baking contest winner recipe, coating the cookies in crushed cornflakes is the traditional choice. However, if you’re looking for an alternative, Betty Crocker’s similar “Cherry Blinks” recipe famously used Wheaties cereal for their coating, offering a slightly different texture but a comparable crunch. Feel free to experiment with other plain, lightly sweetened flaky cereals if you desire a twist.

How can I store Cherry Wink Cookies to keep them fresh? These delightful old-fashioned cookies maintain their freshness remarkably well. For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain delicious for 3-4 days. For longer preservation, Cherry Wink Cookies freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag for several months, allowing them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use butter instead of shortening in this recipe? Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in a 1:1 ratio. Using unsalted butter will provide a richer, more buttery flavor profile. However, be aware that cookies made with butter may spread slightly more and have a less crisp texture compared to those made with shortening, which tends to produce a more tender and crisp cookie due to its higher melting point and 100% fat content. If using margarine, note its higher water content means it typically isn’t a direct 1:1 substitution and could affect the cookie’s texture and spread.

Why are they called “Cherry Wink” cookies? While the exact origin of the name isn’t officially documented, it’s widely believed that the “wink” refers to the single, bright maraschino cherry perched on top of each cookie. This cheerful red “eye” gives the cookie its playful, inviting appearance, almost as if it’s winking at you, especially when enjoyed around festive holidays.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Preparing the dough in advance can be a huge time-saver. You can mix the dough, incorporate all the add-ins, and then refrigerate it, tightly covered, for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop and roll.

Creative Substitutions for Your Cherry Wink Cookies

While the classic Cherry Wink recipe is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to personalize it with these exciting substitutions and additions:

• Date Alternatives: If fresh dates are unavailable, consider substituting them with an equal amount of plump raisins, dried cranberries, or currents for a similar chewy sweetness.
• Chocolate Boost: For chocolate lovers, a handful of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate can be a delightful addition, bringing an extra layer of indulgence to any cookie.
• Tropical Twist: Shredded coconut, either sweetened or unsweetened, can be folded into the dough to add a pleasant chewiness and a subtle tropical aroma.
• Elegant Glaze: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of fresh lemon or orange zest into the dough to introduce a bright, zesty “zing” that perfectly complements the cherries and nuts.
• Festive Colors: For a truly festive holiday look, use a combination of both red and green maraschino cherries for the topping, adding more visual pop.
• Almond Aroma: For a different flavor profile, substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract. Almond and cherry are a classic flavor pairing that will elevate the cookie’s aroma.
• Nut Variations: Instead of pecans, try chopped walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different nutty texture and flavor.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Old-Fashioned Cherry Wink Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality Cherry Wink Cookies is simple with a few expert tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter (or shortening), eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating a uniform dough and a better-textured cookie.
• Effortless Cornflake Crushing: For perfectly crushed cornflakes, simply place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush them using the bottom of a heavy glass measuring cup or a rolling pin. Avoid turning them into powder; aim for coarse crumbs for the best texture.
• Elevate Pecan Flavor: Toasting your pecans before adding them to the dough can significantly heighten their natural nutty flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool completely before chopping and adding to the dough.
• Measure Flour Accurately: For optimal cookie texture, measure your flour using the “spoon and level” method. Spoon flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with the back of a knife. This prevents overpacking and ensures you don’t add too much flour, which can result in dry, dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Proper Cooling: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up enough to prevent breaking and maintains their shape.

More Delightful Cherry Recipes to Love

If you’re a fan of the bright, sweet flavor of cherries, you’ll adore these other cherry-infused recipes:

• White Chocolate Cherry Cookies (pictured above)
• Cherry Cheese Bread
• Cherry Dessert
• Fried Ice Cream Pie
• Cherry-Filled Coffee Cake
• Cherry Pie Jell-O Salad

Discover even more incredible cookie recipes shared by our community in the #ChristmasCookies recipe group, detailed at the bottom of this post.

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Cherry Wink Cookies: The Recipe Card

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If you’re seeking a taste of pure nostalgia, these rich, chewy, and crunchy Cherry Wink Cookies are an absolute must-try. Gather your ingredients, put on some classic tunes, like Nat King Cole, brew a fresh cup of tea, and prepare to savor a timeless delight. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Welcome to #ChristmasCookies Week! That magical time of year when kitchens fill with warmth, the scent of baking spices, and the joy of creating cookie trays for family, friends, and neighbors. This year, over 20 top-notch bloggers are enthusiastically sharing their most cherished cookie creations for everyone to bake and enjoy. Join us for a full week dedicated to Christmas cookie deliciousness, where you’re sure to find new favorites and rekindle old traditions!

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