Description
Festive holiday bliss bites deliver pure Christmas magic in one delectable morsel. Sweet chocolate and peppermint combine with smooth cream cheese to create irresistible seasonal joy you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup pecans
Dried Fruits:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup candied cherries
- 2 cups candied pineapple
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Baking Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Non-stick pan spray
Instructions
- Meticulously chop walnuts, almonds, and pecans in a food processor until they resemble coarse pebbles, ensuring uniform texture.
- Process dates, cherries, pineapple, and cranberries to match the nut consistency, creating a vibrant, textured mixture.
- Gently fold one cup of flour into the fruit and nut medley, ensuring even distribution without compressing the delicate blend.
- Whip softened butter and brown sugar in a separate vessel until the mixture transforms into a creamy, pale landscape.
- Introduce the egg into the butter mixture, whisking until fully integrated and smooth.
- Incorporate remaining flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and vanilla extract, stirring until a harmonious batter emerges.
- Pour the aromatic wet ingredients over the fruit and nut base, carefully folding to create a cohesive mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 350F, positioning the rack in the upper third of the oven.
- Line four cookie sheets with parchment paper and lightly mist with non-stick spray.
- Utilize a small scoop to portion the mixture into 48 uniform droplets, arranging 12 on each prepared sheet.
- Slide two sheets into the oven simultaneously, baking for approximately 20 minutes and rotating midway to ensure even browning.
- Transfer the golden bites to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop their full flavor profile.
Notes
- Nutty Texture Matters: Pulse nuts and fruits to pea-sized consistency for even distribution and consistent bite texture.
- Precise Portioning Tip: Use a small scoop to create uniform one-ounce drops, ensuring consistent baking and appearance.
- Rotation is Key: Halfway through baking, rotate cookie sheets to promote even browning and prevent uneven cooking.
- Storage Secret: Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture.
- Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to swap dried fruits or nuts based on personal preference or seasonal availability.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking, perfect for holiday prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (per batch)
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 118
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg