Chewy centers, a fancy shape and candied cherries make these cookies fun and festive. They’re a favorite in my house at Christmastime.
—LORRAINE ROTHERMICH PORTAGE DES SIOUX, MO
PREP: 1 HOUR + CHILLING • BAKE: 10 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: 5 DOZEN
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
2 large egg yolks
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter
FILLING
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons 2% milk
30 candied cherries, halved
1. Place cream in large bowl; let stand out at room temperature for 1 hour. Add vinegar; stir until thickened. Stir in yeast until dissolved; add the egg yolks. In a small bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic. Cover and refrigerate dough overnight.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the pecans, 1/4 cup sugar, brown sugar and milk. Cook and stir over medium heat for 3 minutes; set aside.
3. On a floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 12x10-in. rectangle. With a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut dough into 2-in. squares. Place 3 in. apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
4. Cut through the dough from each corner of the square to within 1/2 in. of the center. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of filling into the center of each square. Fold alternating points of the square to the center to form a pinwheel. Press a cherry half into the center of each. Sprinkle with remaining sugar.
5. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove to wire racks. Store in an airtight container.