Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat with my Cherry Pie Cookies! These delightful snacks combine the classic taste of cherry pie in a fun, bite-sized form. With buttery dough filled with rich cherry goodness and a hint of almond, they are sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings. Let’s dive into the easy steps to create these irresistible delights!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet cherry filling combined with the buttery cookie crust creates a delightful treat that is irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels, making it a great choice for family baking days.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special gathering or a casual afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the fruit filling or add spices to the dough for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Ingredients
To make delicious cherry pie cookies, you will need the following items:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 cup cherry filling (you can use canned or homemade)
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (it adds a nice touch)
– 1 egg (for the egg wash)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
These ingredients come together to create a sweet and tasty treat. The butter gives richness, while sugar adds sweetness. Vanilla extract enhances flavor, and flour forms the base. Baking powder makes the cookies rise, and sea salt balances the sweetness.
The cherry filling is the star of the show. It brings a burst of flavor that reminds you of classic cherry pie. Almond extract is a secret weapon, giving the cookies a unique twist. Finally, the egg wash ensures a lovely golden color when baked, and the powdered sugar adds a final touch of sweetness.
Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delightful snack that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps cookies from sticking.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until it’s well blended. This gives the cookies a nice flavor.
Combining Dry Ingredients
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. This mix gives the cookies their structure.
2. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
Chilling and Cutting the Dough
1. Divide the dough into two equal halves. Shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll.
2. After chilling, take one disc out of the fridge. On a floured surface, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness is perfect for cutting cookies.
Assembling the Cookies
1. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the rolled dough. Aim for about 3 inches in diameter. Place half of these circles on your lined baking sheet.
2. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of cherry filling with 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. This adds depth to the cherry flavor. Place about 1 teaspoon of this mix in the center of each dough circle.
3. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut out the same number of circles. Place these on top of the filled cookies. Press the edges gently to seal them. You can press down with a fork for a pretty edge.
4. Crack 1 egg into a bowl and beat it lightly. Brush the tops of the cookies with the egg wash. This makes them golden during baking.
Baking the Cookies
1. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a nice aroma.
2. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to wire racks to cool completely.
3. After cooling, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. This adds a lovely touch and enhances their look.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Dough
How to avoid overmixing
Mixing your dough too much makes it tough. After you add the dry mix, stir just until you see no flour. The dough should look a bit crumbly, but that’s okay! It will come together as you roll it out.
Best chilling practices
Chilling the dough is key for good cookies. I recommend wrapping each disc tightly in plastic wrap. Chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough hold its shape when you bake it.
Enhancing Flavor
Importance of almond extract
Almond extract adds a nice twist to the cherry flavor. Just half a teaspoon is enough! It makes each bite taste richer. Don’t skip this step; it really makes a difference.
Using homemade vs. canned cherry filling
You can use canned or homemade cherry filling. Homemade gives a fresher taste and is easy to make. If you’re short on time, canned works great too. Just mix it with almond extract for added flavor.
Presentation Suggestions
Arranging cookies for serving
When serving your cookies, place them on a nice platter. You can stack them or arrange them in a circle. This makes them look fancy and inviting.
Optional garnishes
For a fun touch, add fresh cherries around the cookies. A light dusting of powdered sugar also makes them look pretty. These little extras can impress your guests!
Pro Tips
- Chill Your Dough: Properly chilling the dough helps to prevent it from spreading too much during baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape.
- Use Quality Cherry Filling: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality cherry filling—homemade or premium jarred options can elevate your cookies significantly.
- Experiment with Extracts: While almond extract adds depth, don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavors like lemon or orange zest for a unique twist.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life.
Variations
Flavor Alternatives
You can switch up the filling in these cookies. Instead of cherry, try other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or even apple filling work great. Each fruit adds its own unique flavor. You can also add spices to enhance the taste. A pinch of cinnamon gives warmth. Nutmeg can add a cozy touch. These small changes can make a big difference.
Dietary Modifications
If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Make sure it’s a good one that can handle cookies. For vegan adaptations, replace the butter with a plant-based option. Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These swaps keep the cookies tasty for everyone.
Cookie Sizes and Shapes
Want bigger cookies? Simply use a larger cookie cutter. This creates a more filling snack. You can also make fun shapes for special days. Heart shapes work for Valentine’s Day, while stars shine for holidays. Use your creativity to make each batch special. These small changes can make your cookies stand out at any event.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your Cherry Pie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze your cookies, follow these steps:
– Let the cookies cool completely.
– Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
– Freeze for about 1 hour until solid.
– Transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
– Label it with the date for easy tracking.
For thawing, take the cookies out of the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Shelf Life
Cherry Pie Cookies last about 5 days at room temperature. If stored correctly, they maintain their taste and texture. For longer storage, consider freezing them as mentioned above.
FAQs
How do I know when the cookies are done?
You can tell when the cookies are done by looking for a golden brown color. They should feel firm to the touch. If you gently press on the edge, it should spring back. The smell will also be sweet and inviting.
Can I use frozen cherries for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries for the filling. Just make sure to thaw them first. Drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy cookie. This way, you’ll keep the right texture in your cookies.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you need a substitute for almond extract, try using vanilla extract instead. You can also use hazelnut extract for a nutty flavor. These options will keep your cookies delicious and flavorful.
Are Cherry Pie Cookies suitable for parties?
Absolutely! Cherry Pie Cookies are a great treat for parties. They are easy to grab and eat. You can serve them on a decorative platter. Add fresh cherries for color and fun!
You now have a clear path to make delicious Cherry Pie Cookies. We covered all the essential ingredients and detailed step-by-step instructions. You also learned tips for perfecting the dough and ideas for fun variations. Remember to store your cookies properly to keep them fresh. These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying at home. I hope this guide inspires you to bake and enjoy these tasty treats with your friends and famil
