Why You’ll Love these Whiskey-Soaked Holiday Cookies
The aroma of these whiskey-soaked holiday cookies is an instant time machine to childhood memories, with a grown-up twist that makes them unforgettable.
I’m convinced you’ll adore how the Old Charter whiskey adds depth without overpowering the sweet candied cherries and pineapple.
What’s not to love about a cookie packed with pecans, white raisins, and colorful candied fruit?
They’re perfectly festive for holiday gatherings. The texture is divine—crisp edges giving way to a tender, fruit-studded center.
Can you imagine your guests’ faces when you casually mention there’s whiskey in these beauties?
Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than snow on a warm day.
What Ingredients are in Whiskey-Soaked Holiday Cookies?
These whiskey-soaked holiday cookies are the perfect treat for a grown-up Christmas celebration, combining the sweetness of traditional holiday cookies with the warmth and depth of good whiskey.
The Old Charter whiskey adds a remarkable complexity to these cookies without making them taste boozy—just deliciously sophisticated. I’m pretty sure these will become your new holiday tradition once you taste how the whiskey complements the sweet fruits and crunchy pecans.
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 3/4 cup Old Charter whiskey
- 1 pound white raisins
- 1 pound candied red cherries
- 1/2 pound green candied pineapple (or additional 1/2 pound candied cherries)
- 4 cups pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters—especially with the whiskey and candied fruits.
While the recipe specifically calls for Old Charter whiskey, you could substitute another good quality bourbon in a pinch. The candied fruits might be seasonal items in some stores, so plan ahead and grab them when you see them.
And don’t be alarmed by the generous amount of nuts and fruits; these cookies are meant to be packed with goodies, creating that perfect festive bite with every mouthful.
How to Make these Whiskey-Soaked Holiday Cookies
Making these whiskey-soaked holiday cookies is surprisingly straightforward, even with their indulgent ingredient list. You’ll start by gathering all your ingredients in one place and finding the largest mixing bowl you own—trust me, you’re going to need it.
Combine 3/4 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until well mixed, then add 3 eggs one at a time. The mixture should become light and fluffy. In a separate small dish, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 tablespoon of hot water, then add this to your butter mixture along with 2 1/2 cups of plain flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Now comes the fun part—adding 3/4 cup of Old Charter whiskey. The aroma that fills your kitchen? Pure holiday magic. After mixing in 1 teaspoon of vanilla, it’s time to add your mix-ins. Gently fold in 1 pound of white raisins, 1 pound of candied red cherries, and either 1/2 pound of green candied pineapple or additional candied cherries if you prefer.
Finally, incorporate 4 cups of pecans. The dough will become quite thick at this point, so you’ll need to add the ingredients gradually, perhaps in batches. For optimal mixing results, a soup maker blender can handle the thick consistency much better than hand mixing. Who knew cookie dough could get such a workout?
Once everything is thoroughly combined, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a greased baking sheet. There’s no need to flatten them—they’ll spread just the right amount in the oven.
Bake at 275 degrees, which is lower than most cookie recipes. This slow-baking approach gives the cookies time to develop a beautiful golden brown exterior while keeping the centers tender. The low temperature also allows the whiskey flavor to meld with the fruits and nuts rather than evaporating too quickly.
When they’re done, let them cool slightly before moving to a wire rack. Can you smell the holidays yet? Because your kitchen certainly will.
For the best results when making these decadent holiday treats, consider investing in premium soup making equipment which works wonderfully for mixing large batches of cookie dough too.
Whiskey-Soaked Holiday Cookies Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe creates a delicious holiday treat, you can easily customize these whiskey-soaked cookies to fit your preferences or pantry inventory.
Not a fan of Old Charter? Any good bourbon works wonderfully, or try rum for a tropical twist. Can’t find candied pineapple? Substitute with candied orange peel or additional cherries.
For a less boozy version, I’d recommend replacing half the whiskey with apple juice. Walnuts work beautifully in place of pecans, and dried cranberries can stand in for raisins.
Dark chocolate chips? Now that’s a delicious addition I can’t resist suggesting.
What to Serve with Whiskey-Soaked Holiday Cookies
When pairing these boozy, fruit-studded holiday delights, three complementary options stand out for entertaining guests.
I recommend a rich, spiced eggnog that echoes the cookie’s whiskey notes, creating a luxurious texture contrast with each bite.
For coffee lovers, a smooth espresso or dark roast brings out the pecan and cherry flavors, cutting through the sweetness.
My personal favorite? A small glass of the same Old Charter whiskey used in the recipe. Sipping it alongside the cookies creates a harmonious flavor experience, don’t you think?
The whiskey’s caramel undertones amplify the cookie’s complexity in the most delightful way.
Final Thoughts
These whiskey-soaked holiday cookies have become my absolute favorite addition to the festive season.
There’s something magical about the combination of Old Charter whiskey, candied fruits, and pecans that creates the perfect holiday bite.
I love how versatile they are—serve them alongside coffee for breakfast or with a nightcap after dinner.
The aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking? Utterly divine.
For a complete meal, you might want to pair these sweet treats with a cheesy chicken casserole that offers a satisfying contrast of flavors.
Why not start a new tradition this year?
These cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts, too. Just store them in decorative tins, and you’ll be everyone’s favorite gift-giver, I promise.
If you’re looking for another comforting dish to serve alongside these treats, consider making a hearty Italian casserole that can be prepared ahead of time.
