This Christmas Rocks Recipe is a beautiful blend of dried fruits and nuts, held together with just enough batter to bind them. The result? A chewy, nutty, and subtly sweet cookie that feels like Christmas magic in every bite. Let’s bring this treasured recipe into your home this holiday season!
The holidays are a time for tradition, and Christmas Rocks are a recipe steeped in nostalgia. I remember my grandmother pulling out her favorite wooden bowl, carefully measuring the candied fruits and nuts, and humming softly as she worked. These cookies were a labor of love—packed with wholesome ingredients and the vibrant colors of Christmas. Each bite brings the warmth of family gatherings and the spirit of the season.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Rocks Recipe
- Bursting with Holiday Flavor: Packed with candied fruits, dried cranberries, and warm spices, these cookies are the embodiment of Christmas.
- Perfect for Sharing: Makes 48 bite-sized treats—ideal for cookie exchanges or gifting.
- Simple Yet Special: A recipe that’s easy to follow but delivers impressive, festive results.
Ingredient Notes for Christmas Rocks Recipe
Each ingredient in Christmas Rocks Recipe contributes to their rich, festive flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Fruits and Nuts
- Walnuts, Almonds, Pecans (1 cup, ½ cup, ½ cup): These provide the nutty foundation of the cookie. Pulse them to a pea-size for the perfect texture.
- Pitted Dates (1 cup): Add natural sweetness and chewy texture.
- Candied Cherries (1 cup): Their bright color and sweetness are quintessential for holiday baking.
- Candied Pineapple (2 cups): Offers a tangy contrast to the sweet cherries.
- Dried Cranberries (1 cup): A tart touch that balances the sweetness.
Dry Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup, divided): Acts as the binding agent and helps coat the fruits and nuts to prevent clumping.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a cozy, warm spice.
- Baking Soda (¼ teaspoon): Ensures the cookies bake evenly.
Wet Ingredients
- Butter (¼ cup, softened): Provides richness and flavor.
- Brown Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds a touch of molasses sweetness.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Food processor
- Large mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with a paddle attachment (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets (4)
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop
- Cooling racks
How to Make Christmas Rocks Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the top third for even baking.
2. Prepare the Nuts
Using a food processor, pulse walnuts, almonds, and pecans separately until they’re pea-sized. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
3. Chop the Fruits
Pulse the dates, cherries, pineapple, and cranberries to the same size as the nuts. Add these to the bowl with the nuts.
4. Coat the Fruits and Nuts
Sprinkle ½ cup of flour over the fruit and nut mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated, then set aside.
5. Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Use a stand mixer for ease or mix by hand if preferred.
6. Add the Egg
Mix in the egg until fully incorporated.
7. Combine Dry Ingredients
Stir in the remaining ¼ cup of flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture.
8. Mix Everything Together
Pour the wet mixture over the fruit and nut blend. Combine by hand to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
9. Prepare the Cookie Sheets
Line four cookie sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick pan spray.
10. Shape the Cookies
Use a small scoop to form 48 one-ounce drops. Place 12 drops on each prepared sheet.
11. Bake the Cookies
Bake two sheets at a time in the top third of the oven for 20 minutes, rotating them halfway through. Watch for golden edges to avoid over-browning.
12. Cool Completely
Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.
13. Store for Freshness
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat. They also pair beautifully with a glass of eggnog.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
This Christmas Rocks Recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flaxseed egg.
- Custom Fruit Blend: Experiment with other dried fruits like apricots, figs, or golden raisins.
Helpful Notes
- Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly oil your hands or cookie scoop for easier handling of the dough.
- Baking Tip: Keep an eye on the cookies during baking—rotate the sheets to ensure even browning.
- Enhance Flavors: Let the cookies sit for a day before serving; the flavors meld beautifully over time.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Always use room-temperature butter for even creaming and smooth texture in your cookies.”
- Mary Berry: “For uniform cookies, invest in a good-quality cookie scoop. It makes shaping much easier.”
- Paul Hollywood: “Rotate your baking trays halfway through baking for perfect, even results.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Christmas Rocks Recipe taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
2. What can I use instead of candied cherries?
Dried cherries or cranberries are a great substitute if you prefer less sweetness.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the parchment paper?
Lightly spray the parchment paper with non-stick pan spray for easy removal.
4. Can I halve the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply divide all the ingredients in half for a smaller batch.
5. Can I add spices like nutmeg or ginger?
Yes, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger would complement the cinnamon beautifully.
Christmas Rocks Recipe are more than just cookies—they’re a celebration of tradition, family, and the joy of the holiday season. With their rich flavors and vibrant colors, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Bake a batch, share the love, and create your own Christmas memories!
