Beatriz Mares’ Cherry Winks

📜 Collection: UK2 | ✍️ Attribution: Beatriz Mares | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic mid-century drop cookie featuring a chewy center of dates and pecans, finished with a signature crunchy corn flake coating and a bright maraschino cherry. These nostalgic treats are perfect for holiday baking and cookie exchanges.

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Prep Time	Cook Time	Inactive / Chill Time	Yield / Servings
20 mins	12 mins	None	5 dozen cookies

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🔪 Key Equipment

• large mixing bowl
• sifter
• shallow bowl
• ungreased cookie sheet
• wire cooling rack

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Ingredients

Measurements	Ingredients	Prep / Notes
3/4 Cup	Shortening	room temperature
1 Cup	Sugar	granulated
2	Eggs	large
2 Tbsp	Milk	whole
1 tsp	Vanilla	extract
2 1/4 Cups	Flour	all-purpose
1 tsp	Baking Powder	none
1/2 tsp	Baking Soda	none
1/2 tsp	Salt	none
1 Cup	Pecans	chopped
1 Cup	Dates	chopped
1/3 Cup	Maraschino Cherries	chopped

For Coating

Measurements	Ingredients	Prep / Notes
2-3 Cups	Corn Flakes	crushed
As needed	Maraschino Cherries	quartered for topping

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, cream the 3/4 cup shortening and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the 2 eggs, 2 tbsp milk, and 1 tsp vanilla until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
6. Fold in the 1 cup pecans, 1 cup dates, and 1/3 cup maraschino cherries by hand.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

7. Place the 2-3 cups crushed corn flakes into a shallow bowl.
8. Shape level tablespoons of dough into balls and roll each in the corn flakes until completely coated.
9. Place balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, top each with a 1/4 piece of maraschino cherry, and flatten slightly.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden.
11. Let cool on the sheet for one minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Original Recipe Scan