A Ballet Life, For your Amusement, Recipes – Ballet Inspired, Tis the Season

Cherry Walnut George Washington Cookies

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ON STAGE

  • Dance Company: Philadelphia Ballet

    The Nutcracker

    The Nutcracker

    Academy of Music 240 S Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, United States
    Toast the season with George Balanchine’s must-see holiday classic! The Nutcracker leaps from the stage with fighting mice, toy soldiers, dancing candy canes, and waltzing flowers, all set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. Embark on an unforgettable journey with Marie and her Prince to the Land of Sweets in this beloved...
  • Dance Company: San Francisco Ballet

    Nutcracker

    Nutcracker

    War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
    On Christmas Eve 1944, SF Ballet made history with the American premiere of Nutcracker, launching a national holiday tradition that continues to enchant audiences. Set in 1915 San Francisco, Helgi Tomasson’s Nutcracker takes place in a city celebrating a new age of technology. As the lights dim and the music soars, snowflakes swirl,...
  • Dance Company: Sacramento Ballet

    Nutcracker

    Nutcracker

    SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center 1301 L St., Sacramento, CA, United States
    A beloved holiday tradition returns, complete with live music by the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera. This magical performance promises to enchant audiences of all ages and will be a cherished part of your holiday season for years to come.

Inspired by the legend of George Washington and the cherry tree, these delightful cookies combine the rich flavors of cherries and walnuts. Perfect for any patriotic or holiday celebration, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

  2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
    • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

  4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

  5. Combine Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
    • Fold in the chopped dried cherries and finely chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

  6. Form Cookies:
    • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 
    • Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.

  7. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

These Cherry Walnut George Washington Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the buttery flavor of classic cookies with the tartness of cherries and the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want to honor America’s first president, these cookies are sure to bring joy and a touch of history to your gatherings. Enjoy!

Download the Recipe

Enjoy, and Happy Holidays from En Face Magazine!

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