Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry Blossom Cookies are a fun twist on classic sugar cookies, with a burst of sweetness from maraschino cherries and a touch of almond extract. The cookie dough is soft and tender, creating the perfect base to showcase the cherries on top. With a slight almond flavor, the cookies are both soft and chewy with a crispy edge, and the cherries add a delightful pop of color and flavor. They’re visually appealing, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
-
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon almond extract
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
-
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)
-
¼ cup chopped almonds (optional, for added texture)
-
12 maraschino cherries (whole, for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
-
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. If desired, fold in chopped maraschino cherries, white chocolate chips, and chopped almonds for extra flavor and texture.
-
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Press a whole maraschino cherry gently into the center of each cookie dough ball to create the “cherry blossom” effect.
-
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking, as the dough can dry out quickly.
-
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy these sweet, chewy, cherry-flavored treats!
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 24 cookies
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
-
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
-
Use Fresh Cherries: If maraschino cherries are not available, you can use fresh cherries that have been chopped and pitted. Just keep in mind that fresh cherries may release more moisture during baking, so be careful not to add too many.
-
White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Add extra white chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.
-
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with structure.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
-
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for 30 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cherry?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries, though maraschino cherries give the cookies a sweeter flavor. If using fresh cherries, be sure to chop them into small pieces to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. After mixing, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Allow the dough to soften slightly before rolling and baking.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate chips can be used instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Can I skip the almond extract?
If you prefer, you can omit the almond extract and use vanilla extract instead for a more neutral flavor. However, the almond extract adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make the cookies more festive, especially for holidays or parties, you can drizzle them with colorful icing, sprinkle them with edible glitter, or top them with colored sprinkles.
Conclusion
Cherry Blossom Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves fruity, sweet, and flavorful desserts. With their chewy texture, rich almond flavor, and burst of juicy cherry goodness, these cookies are both a visual and culinary delight. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a fun treat, these cookies will impress everyone with their unique flavors and beautiful presentation!
Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Blossom Cookies are a sweet, chewy treat that combines the fruity flavor of cherries with a rich almond base. Topped with whole maraschino cherries, these cookies are visually stunning and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating spring or just craving a delicious dessert, these cookies will impress with their soft texture and delightful burst of cherry flavor!
Ingredients
-
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon almond extract
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
-
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
-
¼ cup chopped almonds (optional)
- 12 whole maraschino cherries (for topping)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. -
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. -
Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract and beat until combined. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, white chocolate chips, and chopped almonds for added texture. -
Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently press a whole maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie dough ball to create the “cherry blossom” effect. -
Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a soft and chewy texture. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Variations: Try using fresh cherries if maraschino cherries are unavailable, but be mindful of the moisture they release.White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Add extra white chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for extra sweetness.Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with structure.
