I actually made these cookies last year for the holidays.  Obviously we needed some cheer and these cookies pack it in with chocolate, holiday spices, raisins, nuts and whiskey!   

Holiday Cheer Chocolate Cookies

Based on Italian Chocolate Cookie (Tulsa World, December 16, 2020)

This is definitely a cookie for adult tastes.

Ingredients

• 3/4 c. shortening
• 3/4 c. sugar
• 1 egg plus 2 T. beaten egg
• 1/2 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 1/2 t. vanilla
• 2 1/2 c. flour
• 2 1/2 t. baking powder
• 3/4 c. cocoa powder
• 1/2 t.salt
• 1 1/2 t. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 t. allspice
• 1 1/2 t. nutmeg
• 3/4 c. semi-sweet dark chocolate chunks
• 3/4 c. golden raisins
• 3/4 c. chopped walnuts
• 3 oz. whiskey
• maraschino cherries, halved (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat until incorporated. Add milk and vanilla and mix. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet. Next, blend in chocolate chunks, raisins and walnuts.
4. Using a cookie scoop (about 2 T.), place about 2 inches apart on a silpat (or parchment paper) lined cookie sheet. If using cherries, lightly press cherry half into center of each cookie. Bake for 10-15 minutes
5. Remove from oven and let set for 5 minutes. Remove to cooling racks.

Yield: 2 dozen

The original recipe calls for 3/4 cup of whiskey.  I can’t imagine that.  The 3 oz. I used was plenty.  I also added the cherry in the middle, and it was a boozie cherry, too!