Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies

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Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies

Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies are the perfect sweet treat that marries the nutty crunch of walnuts with the sweet tartness of maraschino cherries. Bursting with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner. With a simple, step-by-step approach, even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time. The combination of ingredients creates a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that promises to bring smiles to every face that takes a bite. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared during a festive occasion, these cookies are a delightful indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies offer an array of benefits that make them an ideal choice for any home baker. With easy prep and minimal ingredients, you’ll find that this recipe brings comfort and joy without demanding too much of your time or effort. They are family-friendly and adaptable, making them perfect for any occasion—be it a simple afternoon snack or a part of a larger dessert spread during the holidays.

The unique flavors of walnuts and cherries create a delightful medley that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Plus, with the ability to customize them slightly based on your family preferences or what’s on hand, this recipe stands as a timeless classic that you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Ingredients for Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: This is the base that provides richness and helps the cookies achieve that irresistible melt.

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and creates a light, fluffy texture in the dough.

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile, giving the cookies warmth and depth.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, ensuring a perfect balance of softness and structure.

• ½ teaspoon salt: A crucial component that harmonizes the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

• ¾ cup (90g) finely chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cherries.

• ¾ cup (110g) finely chopped maraschino cherries, blotted dry: Provides vibrant color and a juicy burst of flavor in every bite.

• Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract: Introduces an additional layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with cherries and walnuts.

• Optional: extra cherry pieces for garnish: For those who want to elevate the presentation and add even more cherry goodness.

Step-by-Step Directions for Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add Flavors: Stir in the vanilla extract and the almond extract if you choose to include it. These extracts will infuse the dough with delightful aromas.

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt. Do this slowly to ensure the ingredients combine smoothly, forming a soft dough.

4. Add Nuts and Cherries: Next, gently fold in the chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries. Be careful not to overmix; you want the cherries to remain visible and intact within the dough.

5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

6. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure even baking.

7. Shape the Cookies: After the dough is chilled, roll it into 1-inch balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Make sure to space them about two inches apart.

8. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottoms. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!

9. Powder Sugar Magic: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm for that classic finish.

10. Cool Completely: Transfer your cookies to wire racks to cool completely. If you desire an extra layer of sweetness, feel free to roll them in powdered sugar once more before serving.

Tips & Tricks

To make the most out of your Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaminess and easy incorporation with sugar.

• Freezing Dough: You can portion the dough into balls and freeze them. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time from frozen.

• Alternative Nuts: If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.

• Chilling Time: If you’re short on time, even 20 minutes of chilling may help the cookies hold their shape better.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies can be served in a variety of delightful ways:

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai, herbal tea, or milk to enhance the experience.

• For an elegant touch, serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream.

• Place them on a festive platter topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cherry pieces for visual appeal during gatherings.

Nutritional Information

Each Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookie packs a playful punch of flavor and indulgence. While exact nutritional stats will depend on specific ingredients, on average:

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 per cookie
• Protein: 1-2g
• Fat: 7-10g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g

These cookies are a delicious treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings—a little indulgence is sometimes just what we need!

Storing Tips & Variations for Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies

To maintain freshness, here are a few storing tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

• Refrigeration: For longer-term storage, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

• Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Just ensure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Feel free to play around with variations too. For example, swap in dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes for an exciting twist.

Conclusion for Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies

The moment you bite into a Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookie, you’ll understand why this recipe is worth making. The combination of flavors and textures makes these cookies an irresistible treat that everyone will love. They’re simple to prepare, delightful to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Don’t wait any longer—gather the ingredients and indulge in this delightful baking adventure today!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Just be sure to de-pit and chop the fresh cherries into small pieces and reduce any excess moisture.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The bottoms of the cookies should be lightly golden, and the tops should look set but may appear a little soft. They will firm up as they cool.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute for the best results.

4. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is chilled enough when mixing, and do not skip the chilling step. Chilled dough helps cookies hold their shape better.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, feel free to double the ingredients to make a larger batch! Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven.

Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies

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A sweet treat combining the crunchy notes of walnuts and the tartness of maraschino cherries, creating a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (90g) finely chopped walnuts
• ¾ cup (110g) finely chopped maraschino cherries, blotted dry
• Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Optional: extra cherry pieces for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract.
3. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt to form a soft dough.
4. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
8. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until lightly golden on the bottoms.
9. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.
10. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

To maintain freshness, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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