Cherry Blossom Cookies

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Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that evokes the essence of spring with every bite. These charming cookies, adorned with rich maraschino cherries and topped with silky milk chocolate kisses, offer a burst of flavor reminiscent of blooming cherry trees. The moment you take a bite, you’ll find the soft, buttery texture melting in your mouth, while the sweet cherry notes dance on your palate. This delightful recipe is definitely worth making, whether for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply to indulge yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Blossom Cookie recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients, you can create a batch of these cookies in just over 30 minutes. They are family-friendly, making them a perfect activity to do with your kids or loved ones. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later—all while knowing that they’re free from any forbidden ingredients. This charming cookie is sure to bring smiles and a hint of sweetness to any occasion.

Ingredients for Cherry Blossom Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 30 milk chocolate kisses

The ingredients for Cherry Blossom Cookies bring forth vivid flavors and textures. The unsalted butter provides a creamy base, while the powdered sugar lends the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of cherry juice. A touch of almond extract adds depth, while the optional red food coloring gives these cookies a playful pop of color. The chopped maraschino cherries ensure that each bite is bursting with fruity goodness, topped off with a delectable milk chocolate kiss.

Step-by-Step Directions for Cherry Blossom Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixer bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in the egg yolk until fully incorporated. This will create a luscious base for your cookie dough.
4. Add the salt, cherry juice, almond extract, vanilla extract, and optional food coloring, mixing well until your batter is smooth and cohesive.
5. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Once combined, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries to ensure each cookie has a burst of flavor.
6. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough, roll it into balls, and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, evenly spacing them apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
8. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack and let them cool completely before enjoying.

These straightforward steps make Cherry Blossom Cookies a breeze to whip up. Ready to savor a slice of spring? Let’s ensure these cookies are perfectly baked!

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Cherry Blossom Cookies, consider refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for a deeper flavor enhancement. You can also experiment with replacing the chocolate kisses with white chocolate chips or other flavored chocolates to suit your or your guests’ preferences. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a handful of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Cherry Blossom Cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation by serving them on a decorative platter, perhaps alongside a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. They also pair splendidly with sorbets and fresh summer fruits, enhancing the overall lightness of your dessert table. For a more decorative touch, consider icing them lightly with cherry-flavored or white chocolate glaze to add an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Nutritional Information

Each Cherry Blossom Cookie contains approximately 120 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. If you’re looking for lighter options, consider reducing the amount of sugar or substituting some of the butter with a healthier alternative like applesauce. Indulge mindfully, and enjoy the crunchy yet soft textures these cookies offer!

Storing Tips & Variations for Cherry Blossom Cookies

To store your Cherry Blossom Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, they freeze well—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For variations, try swapping out maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or using different extracts, like coconut or lemon, to give your cookies a new twist.

Conclusion for Cherry Blossom Cookies

Ready to bring a bit of spring to your kitchen? Cherry Blossom Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience! The burst of flavors combined with an easy step-by-step recipe make them a must-try for anyone looking to impress family and friends. Whip up a batch today, and let the warm, sweet aroma fill your home. You’ll be glad you did!

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid making the cookies too salty.

2. What can I substitute for powdered sugar?
   You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar in a blender until fine, or you can use a sugar alternative, keeping in mind that the texture may differ.

3. How can I make the cookies more colorful?
   You can add more drops of red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade or use colorful sprinkles to decorate the tops after baking.

4. Are there any nut-free options available?
   Yes! Just omit any nuts from the recipe altogether or replace them with additional chopped cherries or chocolate chips.

5. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. Just make sure to let it warm up slightly for easier handling before rolling into balls.

Cherry Blossom Cookies

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Delightful cookies adorned with maraschino cherries and topped with silky milk chocolate kisses, capturing the essence of spring.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 30 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 30 milk chocolate kisses

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixer bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Mix in the egg yolk until fully incorporated.
4. Add the salt, cherry juice, almond extract, vanilla extract, and optional food coloring, mixing well until the batter is smooth.
5. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
6. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough, roll it into balls, and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Press a milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven.
8. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack and let them cool completely before enjoying.

Notes

Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking enhances the flavor. You can substitute chocolate kisses with white chocolate chips or other flavored chocolates.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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