White Chocolate Cherry Chunkies


What a long weekend this was!!! All it did was snow, snow and then it snowed some more. I just have a "feeling" this is going to be a very long winter. I certainly hope I'm wrong though! The schools here are now closed till after the new year. They are just not able to get all the parking lots and roads cleared enough for it to be safe for the schools to open. Of course, my son is absolutely thrilled. I remember going through this with my older boys when they would be glued to the TV for a school closing announcement and how excited they'd get when they found out school was closed. My youngest is beside himself since he is getting 3 extra days off!!!

Here is a great cookie that I made that is definitely a winner any time of year but especially pretty on a Christmas cookie tray. Of course, it's from Paula Deen, and our girl comes though again! I have yet to make anything of hers that has not turned out great. I have learned to trust Paula. Remember to bake these only till slightly golden brown around the edges so they come out very chewy. These cookies will not disappoint!!!

1 stick butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 cup candied cherries
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chunks (I used white chocolate chips)

Preheat over to 375 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, with electric mixer, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until just combined. Set aside.

Sift together flour, soda and salt. Add milk to the butter mixture and then add the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Batter should be stiff.

In another bowl, combine nuts, cherries and white chocolate. Then add to batter, stirring only to blend. Drop heaping tablespoons onto a greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake for approximately 11 to 13 inches. Cool on wire rack.

Makes approximately 4 dozen.

Comments

I can remember those days of the kids being glued to the TV on snow days too and how they'd get so ticked off if one of the neighboring towns' schools were closed and our wasn't...LOL

A Paula Deen recipe with only one stick of butter? She must have been dieting that day...LOL

These look great Debbie!
Jenn said…
Yummy cookies. Stay warm. Don't go crazy with all the snow. ;-D
Lara said…
My kids were pretty thrilled about the extended winter break too, but at least I don't have to entertain them every second of the day since they want to be outside every waking minute.

I love the candied cherries in here. Sounds yum!
Cassie said…
White chocolate and cherries...what's not to love?

I wish I still got snow days!!
megan said…
yum, these look so good and festive! I love white chocolate.

I wish I could have snow days from work... :)
Look at it like this Debbie, you have a taste tester for all of your delicious treats!

these look so delicous and full of Christmas spirit!
Monica H said…
Oh how I longed for hose announcements, but living in Texas, they didn't happen very often. These cookies are so pretty!
Nutmeg Nanny said…
These are perfect for Christmas! I bet they tasted amazing :)
Anonymous said…
lol, love Paula Deen and her butter-madness! Maybe that's her secret to amazing, no-fail recipes..butter, more butter!
Reeni said…
White chocolate and cherries sound like a delicious combo! I love these!
NKP said…
We have only had the one snowfall this year so far. But they say a storm is coming up from the States, should hit about Christmas eve or day.
Keep warm!
Very decadent chunkies, so festive!
The Blonde Duck said…
Perfect Christmas cookies!
Katy ~ said…
We enjoy cookies year' round as well, so will have to make these, perhaps sometime after the New Year, even though I'm determined to cut down on the amount of sugar and butter I consume. Well....I must have been thinking of the Chinese New Year...I'll start after then!!!!
Joanne said…
White chocolate macadamia nut cookies are my absolute favorite. And the cherries make them that much more festive! Delicious.

I wish we got snow days in medical school, but I really have no good excuse for why I can't walk from my apartment building to where my classes are held, since it is just across the street.

Happy holidays!
Lovely cookies! I hope you all had a wonderful white Christmas.
The Blonde Duck said…
I hope you had a merry Christmas!
Not only pretty, but oh so good! Thank you for sharing.
teresa said…
beeeautiful! hope you're having a happy holiday!
Cathy said…
Last Christmas our schools were closed an extra two weeks because of snow, almost 30". I hope that NEVER happens again.

Love the addition of cherries to your yummy cookies.
Karine said…
Yum white chocolate and cherry together! They look delicious :)
These sound like a comforting cookie. I love cherries.