As spring rolls around, I can’t help but feel inspired to bake something special, and that’s where my Cherry Blossom Cookies come into play! There’s something magical about the way the world seems to bloom—flowers popping up everywhere and the sun shining a little brighter. I love making these cookies as a sweet tribute to the season. The combination of buttery goodness and the tartness of dried cherries just feels like a celebration in every bite. Trust me, once you take a whiff of those cookies baking in the oven, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite for spring gatherings. They’re quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear, so get ready to share the joy of these delightful treats with everyone around you!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 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
How to Prepare Cherry Blossom Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden color. So, don’t skip this step—set that oven and let it warm up while you get everything else ready!
Cream Together Butter and Sugars
Now, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a good old wooden spoon works too! Mix until it’s light and fluffy—it should look almost like a cloud! This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful texture we all love.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to your creamed mixture. Make sure everything is blended well—this is where the magic happens! You want those flavors to meld together beautifully, so mix just until combined. You’ll love the aroma as these ingredients come together!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. This is a little trick I’ve learned to keep the salt evenly distributed throughout the cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; we want tender cookies, not tough ones!
Fold in Cherries
Now, for the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries. Use a spatula and be gentle—this isn’t the time to be aggressive! You want to make sure those cherries are evenly distributed without breaking them apart too much. They’ll add such a nice burst of flavor to each bite!
Shape and Bake
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—the smell will be tempting!
Cooling Process
Once the cookies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for achieving the ideal texture. If you try to eat them too soon, you might miss out on the full flavor experience. Patience, my friend!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These Cherry Blossom Cookies are absolutely perfect for spring gatherings, adding a touch of sweetness to any occasion.
- They’re easy and quick to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time—ideal for those spontaneous baking urges!
- Flavored with delicious dried cherries, these cookies bring a delightful tartness that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.
- They’re a delightful treat for all ages, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cherry Blossom Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my tried-and-true tips!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always go for fresh butter and eggs—trust me, it makes a difference in flavor and texture!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden at the edges and soft in the center. If they look too brown, they might be overbaked!
- Let Them Cool: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack. This step helps them firm up and develop that perfect texture. Plus, it prevents them from getting soggy!
- Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a week, but I promise they won’t last that long!
- Experiment with Substitutes: If you’re out of dried cherries, feel free to swap in other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Each will give a fun twist to the flavor!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delightful cookies that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in Cherry Blossom Cookies, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying! Here are some estimated nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Please keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your cookies with a sprinkle of joy, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
FAQ Section
Got some burning questions about Cherry Blossom Cookies? No worries—I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my go-to answers!
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
While fresh cherries are delicious, they have a higher moisture content and can make your dough too wet. Stick with dried cherries for the best texture and flavor in these cookies!
How do I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long once everyone gets a taste!
Can I substitute almond extract?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can simply omit it or swap it for an equal amount of vanilla extract. It’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
No powdered sugar? No problem! You can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency. Easy peasy!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I’m always here to help you bake up a storm!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
If you’re interested in exploring more about the health benefits of cherries, visit Healthline for detailed information.
And for tips on baking cookies perfectly, you can refer to BBC Good Food.
Print
Cherry Blossom Cookies: 7 Delightful Bites of Spring Joy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 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.
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