Cherry Blossom Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious! Inspired by the delicate charm of cherry blossoms, these cookies capture a light, sweet almond flavor complemented by a delightful cherry on top. Soft and buttery, they make a perfect treat for special occasions or any time you want a dessert with a hint of springtime.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp almond extract (or vanilla extract, if preferred)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Pink food coloring (optional, for a cherry blossom hue)
- 24 maraschino cherries, patted dry
- Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and almond extract until fully incorporated. If you’d like a pink tint, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until you reach your desired shade.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help the cookies retain their shape while baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or a small spoon to make a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Top with Cherries: Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each indentation, gently pressing it into the dough.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The cookies should still be soft and pale in color.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Tips:
- Make sure to pat the cherries dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookies.
- For an extra touch, drizzle with a light glaze made of powdered sugar and a bit of maraschino cherry juice for added cherry flavor and pink color.
These Cherry Blossom Cookies are as delightful as the flowers that inspired them. Perfect for springtime celebrations, tea parties, or simply to brighten up your day with a little sweetness. Enjoy!
