There is something utterly enchanting about the Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe that makes it a cherished favorite for any season. These cookies perfectly blend the delicate sweetness of maraschino cherries with a tender, buttery crumb, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, these cookies bring a burst of color, aroma, and joy that’s impossible to resist. Let me take you through this delightful recipe that’s as charming as a springtime garden in full bloom!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step towards making your Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe come alive. Each one plays its own crucial role in ensuring your cookies are soft, flavorful, and visually stunning.
- Unsalted butter: Using 1 cup of softened butter gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup adds just the right level of sweetness to balance the tart cherries.
- Large egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon enhances the overall flavor with its warm, familiar aroma.
- Almond extract: Just 1/2 teaspoon infuses a subtle nutty undertone that complements the cherry beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups provide structure and the classic cookie chewiness you love.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon helps the cookies rise to a tender perfection.
- Salt: A mere 1/4 teaspoon balances sweetness and elevates flavor nuances.
- Maraschino cherries (chopped): 1/2 cup folds juicy bursts of cherry flavor throughout the dough.
- Whole maraschino cherries for topping: 12 cherries create an inviting, signature look on each cookie.
- Maraschino cherry juice: 1/4 cup adds moistness and a hint of that trademark cherry tang.
- White chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup chopped white chocolate complements the cherries with creamy sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Essentials
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is mixed. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking, which is crucial for that perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy – this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This process aerates the dough, creating soft, tender cookies. Next, add the egg and mix until fully combined, followed by stirring in the vanilla and almond extracts, which deepen the cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together to avoid overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Fold in the Cherries and Optional White Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the cherry juice to infuse the dough with moist cherry bursts. If you’re including white chocolate, now’s the time to add those luscious chips, which melt into little pockets of creamy sweetness as the cookies bake.
Step 5: Shape and Top Your Cookies
Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to give room for spreading. Before baking, gently press a whole maraschino cherry into the center of each dough mound. This iconic touch gives the cookies their charming cherry blossom appearance and a delightful centerpiece of flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your trays into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden hue. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they keep their tender texture.
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar for a subtle snowy effect reminiscent of cherry blossoms in spring. Alternatively, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant finish that complements the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of green tea or a delicate floral tea like jasmine or chamomile. The gentle bitterness of tea balances the cookie’s sweetness perfectly. For a more decadent pairing, a glass of chilled dessert wine creates an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, arrange your Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe on a pretty platter lined with edible flower petals or in decorative cupcake liners to highlight their floral inspiration. You can also package them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a pastel ribbon for a personal touch everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep each cookie fresh and soft.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies that taste freshly baked, warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This revives their softness and melts the white chocolate chips back into gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries bring a natural tartness, they contain more moisture and aren’t sweetened like maraschino cherries, which could affect texture and flavor. You might need to adjust the sugar and baking time if using fresh cherries.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can omit almond extract if unavailable. The cookies will still be delicious with just vanilla, but adding almond extract adds a subtle, nutty depth that complements the cherry flavor wonderfully.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your baking blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the right cookie texture.
How do I prevent the cherries from bleeding into the dough?
Using maraschino cherries releases color and moisture, which is part of the charm of this recipe. To minimize excessive bleeding, pat the cherries dry before chopping and folding into the dough.
Is it okay to omit the white chocolate?
Yes, the white chocolate chips are completely optional. They add a lovely creamy sweetness, but the cookies shine on their own with the cherry juice and full cherries as stars.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s not just a treat but a heartfelt experience, the Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe is here to wow you. From the burst of cherry flavor to the tender crumb and stunning appearance, it’s a joy to bake, share, and savor. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and let these cookies bring a little springtime magic to your home.
Print
Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these charming Cherry Blossom Cookies, featuring a buttery soft base infused with hints of almond and vanilla, studded with juicy maraschino cherries and optionally enhanced with creamy white chocolate. Perfectly baked until edges are lightly golden, these cookies are a sweet, festive treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (or cherry juice)
- 1/2 cup chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips (optional)
- 12 whole maraschino cherries (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer. This step is crucial for the cookie’s texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg until fully combined, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, which add depth and aromatic flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt evenly. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, ensuring tender cookies.
- Fold in Cherries and Optional Chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and cherry juice, distributing the fruit evenly throughout the dough. If desired, fold in the chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips to add creamy sweetness.
- Portion and Top: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Press a whole maraschino cherry gently into the center of each dough ball for a pretty, cherry blossom look.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly cooked yet soft inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain their delicate texture.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to facilitate creaming and a tender cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- If white chocolate is not preferred, omit it for a simple cherry cookie.
- Ensure cherries are well-drained when chopping to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
