There’s something truly magical about a Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe that brings a burst of springtime charm right to your kitchen. These cookies combine the delicate sweetness of maraschino cherries with the subtle warmth of almond and vanilla extracts, creating a treat that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a little taste of floral-inspired happiness, this recipe is a joyful and approachable way to bring a burst of flavor and color to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that make this Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe shine. From the creamy butter to the juicy cherries, every component enhances the final cookie beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tender texture, allowing the cookies to melt in your mouth.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to create that slightly crisp edge.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to the cookie’s softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: The secret floral note that perfectly complements the cherries.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives the cookies structure and a soft bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just a touch for the perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor.
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped: Bursts of bright, sweet cherry flavor in every bite.
- 12 whole maraschino cherries for topping: The charming cherry blossom “center” that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (or cherry juice): Adds moisture and enhances the cherry flavor throughout the dough.
- 1/2 cup chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips (optional): Smooth, creamy sweetness that complements the cherries beautifully.
How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Area
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have the baking sheets ready by lining two of them with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly with a lovely texture and shape.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth softness. Then, add the egg, blending well until fully combined, and mix in the vanilla and almond extracts to build that signature cherry blossom flavor profile.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Dusting the baking soda evenly throughout your flour mixture helps to evenly distribute the leavening, which will give you the perfect cookie texture.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when you see no more streaks of flour! Now, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the cherry juice, which add that juicy burst of cherry flavor. If you’re opting for white chocolate, this is the moment to gently fold those creamy chunks in as well.
Step 5: Scoop and Add Cherry Toppings
Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently press a whole maraschino cherry into the center of each dough ball. This step is what gives these cookies their charming cherry blossom look and that sweet surprise at every bite.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn a light golden color. The smell during baking alone is enough to make your mouth water! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, so they set perfectly without crumbling.
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, dust your Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. You can also add a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra charm and sweetness. A fresh maraschino cherry or even a small edible flower on the side will beautifully echo the blossom theme.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair delightfully with a cup of hot tea, such as jasmine or green tea, which complements the floral notes of almond. For a more indulgent treat, serve with a small bowl of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream that balances the bright cherry flavors superbly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cookies in a circle around a floral centerpiece for a spring-inspired party or placing them on delicate china for a lovely afternoon tea. You can also package them in pretty boxes or cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons as charming gifts that will brighten anyone’s day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps the cookies fresh and chewy, so each bite tastes like they just came out of the oven.
Freezing
To enjoy these cookies anytime, freeze the cookie dough balls before baking on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for fresh, homemade cookies any time you crave them.
Reheating
If you want to revive some cookie magic, warm your cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and brings out that wonderful cherry aroma all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries can work, maraschino cherries provide a sweeter, more uniform flavor and color that’s key to this Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe’s signature taste and look. Using fresh ones may change the texture and sweetness slightly.
Is it necessary to add both vanilla and almond extracts?
Yes! The vanilla extract offers a classic warmth while the almond extract adds that distinctive floral note, making all the cherry flavors pop in delicious harmony.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts. Just be mindful to check your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Why add cherry juice to the dough?
The cherry juice adds moisture and intensifies the cherry flavor, preventing the cookies from being dry and fostering a juicy, tender crumb throughout the batch.
Can I skip the white chocolate?
Yes, the white chocolate is optional. The cookies will still be beautifully sweet and full of cherry flavor without it, but the white chocolate adds a lovely creamy contrast if you want to indulge a bit more.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe is such a joyful way to bring the fresh, vibrant spirit of spring right to your table. From the burst of cherries to the delicate almond aroma, each bite feels like a little celebration. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—you’ll be surprised how quickly these cookies become a beloved favorite all year round!
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
These Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat featuring soft butter cookie dough infused with maraschino cherries and a hint of almond extract, topped with a whole maraschino cherry for a beautiful presentation. Lightly sweet, tender, and perfect for sharing, these cookies are an excellent choice for festive occasions or an everyday indulgence.
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 and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and provide even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for a delicate texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and almond extract and mix just until combined, enhancing the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening and flavor components.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing gently after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Cherries and White Chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the maraschino cherry juice into the dough. If using, also fold in the chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips to add subtle sweetness and texture.
- Shape and Top Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Press a whole maraschino cherry gently into the center of each dough ball for a decorative and tasty topping.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and sets their texture perfectly.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with the sugar.
- If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, you can soak the chopped maraschino cherries in the cherry juice for 10 minutes before folding into the dough.
- The white chocolate is optional but adds a nice creamy sweetness that complements the cherries.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze the raw cookie dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
