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Cranberry Cat Kisses Recipe - The Washington Post

Democracy Dies in Darknessclock1 hour 45 minscourseDessertNo ratings yetStart CookingComment on this storyAdd to your saved recipes

These festive cookie balls can be a canvas for fun decorating ideas. We cut the corner off of licorice candy for ears, but you could use the edges of a dark chocolate bar. We bought decorative sugar eyes, but try using cinnamon red hots, too. We used candy hearts for noses and licorice whips for whiskers. Need more inspiration? Check out our Holiday Cookie Generator, featuring more than 300 recipes to suit any taste. Here, we turned them into Halloween cats.

The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

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Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 48 (1 cookie)

For the cookies

For the topping

Directions

Time Icon Active: 25 mins| Total: 1 hour 45 mins, plus decorating time
  • Step 1

    For the cookies: Position a rack in the middle of the oven an preheat to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.

  • Step 2

    In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large bowl and a handheld mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for 1 minute, or until creamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar; beat until the mixture is lightened and fluffy, about 2 minutes, then add the almond extract and beat until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and then reduce the speed to low and add the flour and beat just until it is incorporated, about 1 minute, to form a firm dough.

  • Step 3

    Add the almonds and dried cranberries and gently mix them into the dough by hand until evenly distributed.

  • Step 4

    Shape the dough into 1-inch balls (about 15 grams each), placing them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time for 7 to 8 minutes, until barely browned. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Repeat to use all the dough.

  • Step 5

    For the topping: Combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on LOW in 20-second increments until melted, stirring in between until smooth.

  • Step 6

    Brush some of the melted chocolate mixture on top of each cooled cookie to cover the surface. Then, decorate as desired.

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    Nutritional Facts

    Per cookie

    • Calories

      100

    • Fat

      7 g

    • Saturated Fat

      4 g

    • Carbohydrates

      10 g

    • Cholesterol

      10 mg

    • Protein

      1 g

    • Sugar

      5 g

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    Adapted from "The Great Minnesota Cookie Book," by Lee Svitak Dean and Rick Nelson (University of Minnesota Press, 2018).

    Tested by Monica Norton and Ann Maloney.

    Published November 28, 2018

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    Fernande Dalal

    Update: 2024-08-19