Mouthwatering Cherry Butter Cookie Recipe for a Sweet Treat
Attention bakers and cookie lovers! Are you in the market for a new cookie recipe that will leave your taste buds delighted and your guests impressed? Look no further than my Cherry Butter Cookies Recipe.
Butter, cherries, and sugar – what’s not to love? These cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and buttery goodness. The addition of dried cherries gives them a satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Trust me, these cookies will quickly become a household favorite. They are easy to whip up and require simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you are looking for a treat to share with friends or just something to indulge in after a long day, these Cherry Butter Cookies are the answer.
So gather up your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, friends. I’m about to introduce you to a recipe that will change the way you think about cookies forever. Enter the cherry butter cookies – a divine combination of dried cherries, Italian butter, and just the right amount of powdered sugar.
Now, why will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways. First off, these cookies are unlike any other butter cookie you’ve had before. They have a unique texture that lies somewhere between a shortbread and a sugar cookie. Then there are the little pockets of dried cherries that give each bite a burst of fruity flavor.
Next up – the richness of the Italian butter. This butter comes straight from Italy and adds a whole new level of creaminess to the already decadent cookie. And let’s not forget the almond extract – just a touch gives these cookies an almost nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
But perhaps most importantly, these cookies are easy to make. With simple ingredients like flour, egg, and granulated sugar, you can whip them up in no time at all. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion – from holiday parties to afternoon coffee breaks.
So trust me when I say that you’ll love this recipe. These cherry butter cookies truly are one-of-a-kind and will have your taste buds doing a happy dance with every bite. What are you waiting for? Get baking!
Ingredient List
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup of dried cherries
Wet Ingredients:
- 1cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup cherry butter (can be store-bought or homemade)
Baking Essentials:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Parchment paper
These ingredients will be used together to make a recipe that will produce flavorful, soft butter cookies. The powdered sugar and cherry butter in combination with the flour create a magical taste, while the almond extract adds a subtle flavor. The dried cherries add a slight tangy taste and an interesting texture to the cookies, making it a perfect dessert for any season of the year. Also, it is essential to use unsalted butter so as not to overpower the cookies’ flavors with saltiness. Be sure all wet ingredients are at room temperature before beginning the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get down to the details and put together some delectable cherry butter cookies with our recipe guide.
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mixing
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened, and 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of almond extract.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually blend in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in 3/4 cup (130g) of chopped dried cherries and 1/4 cup (60g) of finely chopped maraschino cherries.
Shaping
- Use a tablespoon to scoop enough dough into your palms to form approximately two inch balls.
- Drop each ball onto prepared baking sheet.
- Using your thumb, make an indent in the center of each dough ball then add ½ teaspoon of cherry butter in each dimple
Baking
- Bake cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven to cool on their baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Once everything is done correctly, serve and enjoy delicious homemade cherry butter cookies!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and that couldn’t be truer for baking. Although this cherry butter cookie recipe is already a heavenly treat, you can always experiment with substitutions and variations to add your own twist to it.
Firstly, if you don’t have dried cherries at hand, you can always swap them out for candied cherries or maraschino cherries. In fact, using maraschino cherries produces an even richer taste in the cookies.
For those looking for a healthier option, you can try substituting white flour with whole wheat flour. Whole wheat not only provides more nutrients but also adds a nuttier flavor to the cookies.
Alternatives to almond extract include vanilla extract or even citrus zest depending on your preference.
If you prefer eggless cookies, you can make a flaxseed egg by whisking together one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water until it forms a gel-like mixture.
Moreover, adding nuts such as almonds or pecans to the recipe can give the cookies an extra crunch while simultaneously enhancing their flavor.
If you want to make a cherry almond shortbread cookie instead of a soft butter cookie, you can reduce the amount of butter and increase the amount of flour and powdered sugar in the recipe.
Lastly, you can always experiment with fancier shapes and sizes by creating thumbprints in the center of each cookie dough ball and filling it with cherry jam or chocolate chips.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions and variations. After all, baking is about experimentation and making your treats unique!
Serving and Pairing
Picture this – you’ve just taken a batch of freshly baked cherry butter cookies out of the oven. The aroma of butter and cherries fills your kitchen, invoking a sense of warmth and coziness. You take a bite, and the delicate buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the tart sweetness of the dried cherries. But wait – what about serving and pairing these delectable treats?
When it comes to serving cherry butter cookies, the possibilities are endless. These cookies are versatile enough to enjoy any time of day, whether it’s with a steaming hot cup of coffee in the morning or as a dessert after dinner. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends at picnics, potlucks or holidays.
If you prefer a classic approach, pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, which complements the richness and sweetness. Or go all out and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’ll have you craving more.
For those looking for something more elevated, pair cherry butter cookies with a fruity red wine such as a pinot noir or Beaujolais. The light fruit flavors and tannins in these wines complement the sweet fruitiness in the cookies beautifully.
If cocktails are more your style, try pairing cherry butter cookies with a Manhattan or Old Fashioned drink for an adult twist on an old-fashioned treat.
No matter how you choose to serve these goodies, one thing is certain – they will be devoured! So kick back, relax, and savor every moment with these delicious cherry butter cookies.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the joys of having freshly baked cookies at any time! Now that you’ve made these scrumptious cherry butter cookies and savored them, it’s essential to keep them in top-notch condition. Here are a few handy tips to make sure your cookies stay crisp and chewy for days on end.
First things first, let’s talk about storing these delightful treats. You can store freshly baked or cooled off cherry butter cookies in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag for up to one week at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating or freezing the cookies as it can rob their freshness and cause them to lose their texture.
If you’re planning on making the dough ahead of time, you can do so and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Ensure that the dough is well wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed tightly in an airtight container before refrigerating. Simply pull out the chilled dough from the fridge an hour before baking to let it come back to room temperature before baking.
Now, onto reheating these heavenly bites that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen! You can reheat cold cherry butter cookies by popping them into a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until they become crisp again without losing their texture. Alternatively, you can warm them up by microwaving two or three at a time for just ten seconds.
In conclusion, keeping your cherry butter cookies fresh and delicious is easy if you follow these simple steps: store them at room temperature in an airtight container, avoid refrigeration or freezing, make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it well-wrapped, reheat carefully at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to preserve their texture. So go ahead, bake yourself a batch (or two) of cherry butter cookies and enjoy them whenever the mood strikes!
Tips for Perfect Results
I’m so excited to share with you some of my tried and true tips for making the best cherry butter cookies ever! These extra steps may be small, but they make a big difference in the final product.
First, be sure to use room temperature ingredients. This means letting your butter and eggs sit out on the counter for about 30 minutes before beginning the recipe. Room temperature butter blends more easily with the sugars and creates a light and fluffy texture. Room temperature eggs blend more evenly into the batter and help the cookies come out perfectly moist.
Another tip is to sift your flour before measuring it out. This helps remove any lumps and fluffs up the flour, making it easier to measure accurately. Measuring flour properly is crucial in baking since too much flour can make the cookies dry and hard, and too little can make them spread out too much.
Also, when beating the butter with sugar, let it mix for at least two minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step will create air pockets in the dough that expand during baking to create perfectly tender cookies.
Next, when mixing in the almond extract, be sure not to overmix as this can result in tough cookies. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the extract until just incorporated.
Lastly, don’t overbake these cookies! Cherry butter cookies bake quickly because they are small, so keep an eye on them after 10 minutes in the oven. You’ll know they’re done when they’re a light golden color around the edges but still soft in the middle.
By following these simple tips, you’ll end up with delightful cherry butter cookies that everyone will love!
FAQ
As you bake through the recipe and enjoy cherry butter cookies, it’s natural that questions might pop up. Fear not! Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to guide you in baking the perfect batch of these delicious cookies.
What is the difference between butter cookies and sugar cookies?
In contrast to butter cookies, sugar cookies have a lower butter content and more flour. This results in a dough that is easier to roll out and shape into various designs without falling apart.
What kind of cookies did Trisha Yearwood make?
The recipe I’m about to share is a festive cookie favorite that comes from Trisha Yearwood’s personal collection of homemade recipes.
Why are my butter cookies not crispy?
When baking cookies, it’s important to keep an eye on the time in order to achieve your desired texture. If you want chewy cookies, take them out of the oven a bit earlier than the recommended time. On the flip side, if you prefer crispy cookies, add a few extra minutes to the bake time. For those who enjoy softer cookies, it’s best to take them out of the oven when they’re slightly under baked. And as a rule of thumb, just remember to always check for doneness at the minimum recommended baking time.
What makes cookies chewy butter or shortening?
When it comes to baking cookies, using shortening or butter can make a big difference in the texture of the finished product. Shortening lacks moisture that would otherwise encourage gluten formation, leading to cookies that are soft and crumbly. Butter, however, can create cookies with a chewier texture as gluten develops. It may seem counterintuitive, but butter can also help produce crispy cookies because it spreads out more during baking.
Bottom Line
I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe for cherry butter cookies as much as I have! These little bites of buttery goodness are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea with friends to holiday parties and everything in between.
With the combination of dried cherries, Italian butter, almond extract, and a dusting of powdered sugar, every bite is like a taste of heaven. And the best part is that they are so easy to make and can be stored for days, so you can enjoy them anytime.
Remember to follow my tips and advice for perfect results every time. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to cater them to your tastes.
So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or need a last-minute dessert idea, give these cherry butter cookies a try! Your family, friends, and taste buds will thank you.
Cherry Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 3/4-1 cup dried cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter & sugar. Beat until fluffy. Beat in egg and almond extract. Blend in the flour and mix well. Stir in cherries. Roll dough into small balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers. Bake about 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown. Remove cookies from sheet and cool on wire racks.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.