The moment you pop these Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies in the oven, your kitchen transforms into a fragrant haven that captures the spirit of spring. With their vibrant pink hue and delightful maraschino cherry toppings, they aren’t just cookies; they’re edible expressions of joy. Imagine pulling a tray of warm, soft cookies from the oven, their comforting aroma mingling with hints of almond and white chocolate—it’s an instant mood booster.
One breezy afternoon, I found myself yearning for something cheerful and easy to bake, and that’s when I stumbled upon this delightful recipe. Not only can these cookies be whipped up in just 30 minutes, but they also bring a festive touch to any gathering or afternoon tea. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these cookies have a way of sparking joy in every bite. So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with the delightful combination of cherry, almond, and a hint of white chocolate, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
Quick Bake Time: In just 30 minutes, you can have a tray of warm cookies that brighten up any afternoon.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant pink color and maraschino cherry tops make these cookies not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests.
Easy to Customize: Feel free to play around with flavors! Substitute almond extract or experiment with different toppings to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies have a unique charm that will please both kids and adults alike, making them ideal for gatherings.
Get ready to elevate your baking game with these scrumptious cookies that bring a hint of spring to every occasion!
Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter (softened) – Creates a rich base; make sure it’s at room temperature to blend easily.
• Sugar (granulated) – Sweetens your cookies and contributes to that perfect chewy texture.
• Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of your cookie, providing structure and stability.
• Baking Soda – Helps your cookies rise and achieve that delightful softness.
• Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor beautifully.
• Vanilla Flavoring – Adds a comforting sweetness; can be swapped with more almond extract if desired.
• Almond Flavoring – Infuses a nutty essence; feel free to switch to lemon extract for a refreshing twist.
For the Cherry Mixture
• Chopped Maraschino Cherries – Infuses moisture and cherry flavor; ensure they’re well-drained for the best texture.
• Juice from Maraschino Cherries – Provides color and enhances the cookie’s delightful cherry profile without any artificial dyes.
For Optional Sweetness
• White Chocolate Chips – Add a delicious creamy element for those who enjoy a chocolatey touch; opt for real chocolate for the smoothest melt.
For the Topping
• Whole Maraschino Cherries – Perfect for garnishing, adding both visual appeal and a burst of flavor; spruces up your cookies for any festivity!
Treat yourself to these vibrant Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies that are crafted to bring joy to your table!
How to Make Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking trays by lining them with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale, approximately 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a light texture.
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Add Egg and Flavorings: Incorporate the large egg, vanilla flavoring, and almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
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Incorporate Cherries and Chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the juice from the cherries. If you’re using white chocolate chips, toss them in at this point, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
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Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of cookie dough and place them on the prepared trays, about 2 inches apart. Press a whole cherry into the center of each scoop for that delightful touch.
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Bake: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
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Cool Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the trays for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their soft texture.
Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks seeking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients, then chilling it in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavors but also prevents the dough from spreading too much when baked. Additionally, the chopped maraschino cherries can be prepped and stored separately for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto your baking trays, top with a whole cherry, and then bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious cookies with minimal effort, always ready to brighten your day!
What to Serve with Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies?
These dazzling cookies bring joy, but let’s elevate your treat experience with delightful pairings.
- Herbal Tea: Its calming profile complements the cookies’ sweetness while enhancing cherry and almond notes beautifully.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, zesty side adds refreshing textures that balance the richness of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy delight paired with warm cookies creates an indulgent experience, evoking nostalgia.
- Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade cuts through the sweetness, making a cheerful contrast that feels festive and fun.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of this smooth frosting provides a rich counterpart to the cookies’ flavors, transforming them into a decadent treat.
- Sparkling Water: For a light drink pairing, sparkling water adds a refreshing fizz, making it a delightful accompaniment to your cookies.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treat pairings offer a touch of romance and elegance, perfect for special occasions or a cozy dessert night.
- Almond Biscotti: For those who love a crunch, dipping cookies into wholesome biscotti enhances the nutty flavor profile, making every bite memorable.
Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make these cookies your own with some delightful twists and swaps that cater to your taste buds!
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Vegan: Replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based delight.
Adding a nutty flavor will keep the lush texture intact while making it vegan-friendly. -
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
Just ensure that your flour blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure! -
Lemon Zest Boost: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest for a refreshing burst that complements the cherry flavor beautifully.
This simple tweak brightens the cookies, giving them a springtime kick! -
Chocolate Lovers: Swap in dark chocolate chips for the white chocolate if you prefer a richer, more decadent flavor.
Those deep chocolate notes will pair splendidly with the cherries, creating an irresistible treat. -
Nutty Twist: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
The combination of textures will elevate these cookies from delicious to extraordinary! -
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth that harmonizes wonderfully with the cookie’s sweetness.
These cozy spices will make your kitchen smell amazing and add an unexpected depth. -
Fruit Medley: Mix in chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries along with the cherries for a colorful and chewy twist.
Your cookies will burst with flavor, making each bite a delightful surprise! -
Sugar Swaps: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for added moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
This substitution not only sweetens but also brings richness to the overall taste!
Unleash your creativity and create the perfect batch filled with flavors that you adore!
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They will last up to 3 months while retaining their delightful taste.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. Then, gently reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
Cooling: Cool cookies completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which could affect the texture of your Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies.
Expert Tips for Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies
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Perfect Butter: Use softened butter at room temperature for creamy blending. Cold butter will result in a dense cookie instead of the soft texture you desire.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the dry ingredients just until combined with the wet mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—nobody wants that with their Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies!
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Check Baking Time: Start checking your cookies at 10 minutes; they should be lightly golden at the edges, signaling delightful chewy centers.
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Chill Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes can enhance the cookies’ flavor and prevent spreading while baking.
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Storage Tip: To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extended storage, freeze them!
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Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of almond extract or cherry extract to amp up the cherry flavor. Experiment to find your perfect blend!
Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of maraschino cherries should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality maraschino cherries that are well-drained. The chopped cherries should add natural moisture and a burst of flavor to the cookies, while a whole cherry on top presents beautifully. Look for cherries that are bright and free from dark spots to ensure freshness.
How should I store the cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing to avoid any moisture buildup. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can! To freeze cookie dough, scoop it into balls, freeze them on a baking tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Seal the bag tightly, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, pop them directly into the preheated oven without thawing; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What can I do if the cookies spread too much during baking?
If you find your cookies spreading too much, it’s likely due to the butter being too soft or not chilling the dough before baking. To remedy this, consider chilling your cookie dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. Additionally, ensure that your butter is just softened, not melted; it should be cool to the touch for the perfect cookie consistency.
Are Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies suitable for those with allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens such as eggs, butter, and wheat, so they may not be suitable for individuals with dairy, egg, or gluten allergies. However, you can make substitutions for gluten-free flour or egg replacements if needed. Always check the specific brands of ingredients for cross-contamination if you’re baking for someone with allergies.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To turn your Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies into a vegan-friendly treat, use dairy-free butter and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit in the fridge for 10 minutes). This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the cookie delicious and soft.
Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies That Brighten Every Celebration
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking trays with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy and pale, about 3 minutes.
- Add egg, vanilla flavoring, and almond extract; mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and juice; add white chocolate chips if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto trays, 2 inches apart, pressing a whole cherry into each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on trays for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack.