Cherry Winks are one of those vintage cookies that have stood the test of time for good reason. They’re colorful enough for a holiday cookie tray, but their old-fashioned flavor makes them just as welcome any time of year. They first gained attention after winning the very first Pillsbury Bake-Off in 1949, helping launch one of the country’s most famous baking competitions! If you’re looking for a cookie that’s a little different from the usual chocolate chip or sugar cookie, this one is the perfect pick.

The dough comes together with simple pantry staples before getting loaded with chopped dates, pecans, and maraschino cherries. A short chill helps make the dough easy to handle, and rolling each cookie in crushed corn flakes creates the signature crunchy exterior. Topping each one with half of a maraschino cherry gives the cookies their unmistakable look!

They have a wonderful mix of textures, with crisp cereal on the outside and a soft, tender center filled with chewy fruit and crunchy nuts. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, sharing cookies with friends, or simply trying a beloved Bake-Off winner for yourself, these nostalgic cookies are every bit as charming today as they were decades ago. Give the recipe a go and see for yourself!