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
Scale
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.
