As fall leaves swirl through Elf Lane and the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the crisp air, it’s time to crack into something a little nuttier—Cookie #9 in our countdown to Christmas: Nutcracker Crunch Bites.
These delightful morsels are packed with toasted pecans, almonds, and just a touch of caramel. Slightly crispy on the outside, chewy in the center, and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, they’re the perfect fireside treat and an homage to the legendary Nutcracker Brigade.
🧈 Cookie Spotlight: Nutcracker Crunch Bites
Backstory:
The original Nutcracker Crunch Bites were first crafted by Brassley Oakenroll, a former drummer-turned-baker in Santa’s musical division. Inspired by the rhythmic snapping of nutcracker jaws and the clang of holiday drums, he dreamed up a cookie with both crunch and cadence.
🧝 Elf Commentary (Ginger Snapworth): “We serve these at every rehearsal of the North Pole Ballet—they’re the official cookie of the Sugarplum March!”
📝 Recipe: Nutcracker Crunch Bites
Yields: ~24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12–14 minutes
🥜 Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup chopped toasted pecans
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- ¼ cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for topping)
🍽 Instructions:
- Cream & Mix: Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Stir in the Crunch: Fold in pecans, almonds, and caramel bits. Chill dough for 15 minutes for easier handling.
- Scoop & Sprinkle: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press slightly and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes until golden on the edges and soft in the center. Cool on wire racks.
✨ Elf Tip:
For an extra fancy finish, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top or sandwich two cookies with a dollop of spiced cream cheese frosting.
👀 Coming Soon:
Cookie #10 is the one and only Holly Jolly Jam Buttons—bursting with fruit and festive flair!
