Christmas Rocks

Christmas Rocks

Get ready to indulge in the sweet and salty goodness of our Christmas Rocks! These easy-to-make treats combine the crunch of pretzels, the chewiness of caramel, and the sweetness of chocolate, all wrapped up in a festive holiday package.

Ingredients:
  1. 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  2. 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped
  3. 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  4. 1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped
  5. 1 cup candied cherries, halved
  6. 2 cups candied pineapple, finely chopped
  7. 1 cup dried cranberries
  8. 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
  9. 1/4 cup butter, softened
  10. 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  11. 1 whole egg
  12. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  13. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  14. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  15. Non-stick pan spray
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spray a baking sheet or baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Fruits and Nuts:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, almonds, pecans, dates, candied cherries, candied pineapple, and dried cranberries. Toss them with 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour to coat the pieces evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, sift together the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, ground cinnamon, and baking soda.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture until well combined.
Add Fruits and Nuts:
Fold the flour-coated fruit and nut mixture into the batter until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and sticky.
Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon, scoop small mounds of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden on top. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies moist.
Cool and Store:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Enjoy these festive Christmas Rocks packed with fruits and nuts!

Tips:

1. Use high-quality chocolate: Choose a good-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t overcook the caramel: Cook the caramel until it’s just golden brown to prevent burning.
3. Add some festive sprinkles: Top the Christmas Rocks with festive sprinkles or chopped nuts for a fun and colorful touch.
4. Make ahead for a quick gift: Prepare the Christmas Rocks ahead of time and package them in cellophane bags or containers for a quick and easy gift.
5. Experiment with different types of pretzels: Try using different types of pretzels, such as rods or rings, for a different shape and texture.

Health Benefits:

1. Supports Healthy Bones: The calcium in the pretzels and chocolate may help support healthy bone density.
2. May Help Reduce Stress: The magnesium in the chocolate and pretzels may help reduce stress and anxiety.
3. Supports Healthy Digestion: The fiber in the pretzels may help support healthy digestion and prevent constipation.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

1. Calories: 120
2. Protein: 2g
3. Fat: 7g
4. Saturated Fat: 4g
5. Cholesterol: 5mg
6. Carbohydrates: 15g
7. Fiber: 1g
8. Sugar: 10g
9. Sodium: 100mg

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