Get into the festive spirit with these delightful Cherry Christmas Cookies. Packed with the sweet, tangy flavor of cherries and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for the holidays. They are simple to make, fun to decorate, and will quickly become a favorite treat for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this could result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Add Chopped Cherries and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and, if desired, the chopped nuts. The cherries will add a burst of color and a sweet-tart flavor that perfectly complements the rich dough.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a round cookie shape.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake, as these cookies are best when soft and chewy.
Step 9: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies with a light coating of powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish.
Tips for Success
- Maraschino Cherries: Be sure to drain the cherries well before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky or soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies.
- Cookie Size: If you prefer larger cookies, simply increase the dough portion size, but adjust the baking time as needed.
- Decoration Ideas: For extra holiday flair, top each cookie with a whole maraschino cherry or sprinkle with colored sugar before baking.
Creative Variations
- Chocolate Cherry: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-cherry flavor combination.
- Coconut Cherry: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough to give the cookies a tropical twist.
- Almond Cherry: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a hint of almond flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cherries.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Christmas Cookies are perfect for:
- Holiday cookie exchanges
- Gift-giving in festive tins
- Serving as a sweet treat for family gatherings and holiday parties
Storage Instructions
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Yes, dried cherries will work as a substitute for maraschino cherries. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces.
Can I make these cookies without nuts? Absolutely! If you prefer nut-free cookies, simply omit the nuts and enjoy the cherry flavor on its own.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, these cookies can be baked in advance and stored for several days or frozen for later use.
Conclusion
These Cherry Christmas Cookies are a simple yet festive treat that will brighten up any holiday celebration. With their beautiful color, sweet flavor, and easy preparation, they’re sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or share them with loved ones, these cookies are a delicious way to spread holiday cheer.