If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s both classic and bursting with sweet, fruity charm, then this Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, buttery cookies studded with juicy maraschino cherries and just a whisper of almond essence, creating a luscious balance of flavors that dance on your palate. Each bite melts perfectly with a subtle crunch on the edges and a centerpiece cherry that adds a pop of color and tartness, making these cookies a standout at any gathering or a cozy moment with your favorite cup of tea. Let me walk you through this simple yet enchanting recipe that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each component plays a vital role in creating the taste, texture, and beautiful look that make these cookies truly special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies soft and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the natural cherry taste.
- Large egg (1): Acts as the binder to hold everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, comforting aroma that harmonizes beautifully with the cherries.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the cherry flavor and adds a subtle nutty undertone.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that creates the tender structure of the cookie.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently and gives a slight chewiness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enriches overall flavor.
- Maraschino cherries, chopped (1/2 cup): Infuses each bite with juicy bursts of signature cherry flavor.
- Whole maraschino cherries (12, for topping): Creates that iconic cherry-on-top look and a tasty focal point.
- Maraschino cherry juice (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and intensifies cherry taste throughout the cookie.
- Chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Introduces creamy sweetness and a delightful texture contrast.
How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and come off effortlessly after baking. This step sets your workspace up for success and helps keep clean-up quick and easy.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy as this creates the perfect base for tender cookies. The air you incorporate here results in a delicate texture that just melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Once the butter and sugar are well blended, add in the egg and beat until fully combined. Then stir in both the vanilla and almond extracts. This combination adds depth and warmth that complements the sweet cherries beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so your cookies bake uniformly. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in Chopped Cherries, Cherry Juice, and Optional White Chocolate
Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries along with the cherry juice, which adds moisture and enhances the cherry flavor throughout the dough. If you’re feeling indulgent, fold in the chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips now for an extra layer of creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the fruitiness.
Step 6: Scoop Dough and Add Cherry Toppings
Use rounded spoonfuls of dough and drop them onto the lined baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Before baking, press one whole maraschino cherry gently into the center of each dough ball for that classic cherry blossom appearance and a perfect burst of flavor with every bite.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until their edges are just lightly golden. Once removed from the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances their chewy yet tender texture.
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are stunning on their own, but you can elevate their presentation by dusting a little powdered sugar over the top or adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Fresh mint leaves beside your serving plate add a fresh green contrast and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe alongside a soothing cup of green tea or a warm mug of vanilla-infused coffee. The mild bitterness of these drinks beautifully balances the sweet and nutty notes of the cookies, making each bite a harmonious experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange the cookies on a pastel-colored platter in the shape of a cherry blossom tree or flower cluster. You can also sandwich two cookies with a layer of cherry jam or cream cheese frosting for a fun twist that turns them into delightful little cookie sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their tender texture and cherry flavor for up to 4 days, making them perfect for midweek treats or last-minute guests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze them. Place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. If you like them warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked softness and aroma. Avoid microwaving, which can make cookies rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but maraschino cherries add a unique sweetness and color that defines this Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe. Fresh cherries will introduce more moisture, so you might need to adjust baking time slightly.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t on hand, you can substitute it with an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract, though this recipe truly shines with that subtle almond note complementing the cherry flavor.
Are white chocolate chips necessary?
White chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for their creamy contrast to the tangy cherries. Without them, the cookies will still be delicious and tender but slightly less rich.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This can even enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld together, just remember to let the dough come to room temperature before baking.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft. Also, spacing the dough balls properly on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape as they bake.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe as much as I do. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps come together to create a cookie that’s both charming and unforgettable, perfect for brightening any day or impressing your loved ones with a personal touch. So go ahead, bake a batch, and let these delightful cherry blossoms bring a little sweetness to your kitchen and your heart.
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
Delightful Cherry Blossom Cookies feature a buttery soft cookie base infused with vanilla and almond extracts, studded with chopped maraschino cherries and finished with a whole cherry on top. Perfectly tender and slightly sweet, these cookies offer a festive treat reminiscent of springtime cherry blossoms.
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
- 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)
Topping
- 12 whole maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg and beat until fully combined. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts to flavor the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Incorporate Cherries and Chocolate: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries along with the cherry juice. If using, also fold in the chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips evenly through the dough.
- Shape and Top Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press one whole maraschino cherry into the center of each dough ball to create the signature cherry blossom look.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Optional white chocolate adds a creamy contrast to tart cherries but can be omitted for a simpler cookie.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Cherry juice adds moisture and enhances flavor; do not skip unless substituting with a similar liquid.
