Spring is such a magical time, and what better way to celebrate than by baking up a batch of my delightful Cherry Blossom Cookies? These little gems are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with their soft texture and the vibrant pop of dried cherries. Every time I make them, the sweet aroma envelops my kitchen, and I can’t help but feel a burst of joy! They’re perfect for brightening up any gathering, whether it’s a picnic in the park or a cozy get-together with friends. Trust me, once you take a bite of these cookies, you’ll be transported straight to a cherry blossom garden, feeling all the spring vibes. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on this sweet adventure!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped into small pieces
How to Prepare Cherry Blossom Cookies
Making Cherry Blossom Cookies is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together! Let’s dive into the steps so you can have these delicious cookies in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Trust me; you don’t want to skip this part!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. You want to achieve a smooth, creamy texture that looks almost like whipped clouds—it’s such a satisfying step!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in your egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The batter should be smooth and fragrant, making your kitchen smell heavenly! Don’t rush this part; give it a good mix.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that lovely, tender texture in your cookies!
Fold in Cherries
Now, it’s time to fold in those delightful chopped dried cherries. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overworking the mixture. This will keep your cookies soft and chewy, bursting with cherry goodness!
Shape and Bake
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each dollop, as they’ll spread a little while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. To check for doneness, gently touch the edges; they should feel set but still soft in the center. Let them cool on a wire rack, and get ready for the deliciousness to unfold!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a last-minute treat!
- Delightfully chewy texture combined with the tartness of cherries.
- Festive pink hue and cheerful cherry bits make them a showstopper.
- Great for spring gatherings, picnics, or a cozy afternoon snack.
- They fill your kitchen with a sweet, inviting aroma that’s simply irresistible!
Tips for Success
To make the absolute best Cherry Blossom Cookies, here are some of my go-to tips. First, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps create that fluffy texture we all love. If it’s too cold, your cookies might turn out dense, and we definitely want them light and chewy!
Also, keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is a little different, so start checking your cookies around the 10-minute mark. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you pull them out—this is key for that perfect chewy bite!
Lastly, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before diving in. This helps them set up just right. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each Cherry Blossom Cookie. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
These cookies are not only a delightful treat but also a lovely option that won’t completely break the calorie bank. Enjoy them guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
You can definitely try using fresh cherries, but keep in mind that they’ll add extra moisture to the dough. This can change the texture, making your cookies a bit softer and less chewy. If you go this route, be sure to chop them finely and reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe slightly to maintain balance!
How should I store my cookies?
To keep your Cherry Blossom Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them even longer, consider layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Can I freeze Cherry Blossom Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Cherry Blossom Cookies, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying, and they’ll taste just as delightful as fresh-baked!
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you have an almond allergy or simply want to switch things up, you can substitute almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract or even a splash of coconut extract for a lovely tropical twist. Both will add a unique flavor that complements the cherries beautifully!
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To add a festive touch to your Cherry Blossom Cookies, consider drizzling them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. You can also sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top before baking for an eye-catching presentation. They’re perfect for spring celebrations or any special occasion!
For more delightful cookie recipes, check out Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies or Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies.
Print
Cherry Blossom Cookies: 5 Delightful Steps to Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry blossom cookies that are perfect for spring.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and powdered sugar.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chopped cherries.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed within a week.
- You can substitute dried cherries with other dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cherry Blossom Cookies, Cookies, Spring Cookies, Dessert