Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped cherries.
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Almond extract can be used instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
- Fresh cherries can be used instead of maraschino cherries, but they should be pitted and chopped.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the dough for a sweeter cookie.
- Use different colored cherries to make a colorful batch of cookies.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a cherry-almond flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Use a cookie scoop to make uniform-sized cookies.
- Drain the cherries well before chopping them to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- These cookies are best served at room temperature, but can be reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with additional powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
Garnishes:
- Top each cookie with a small piece of cherry for a decorative touch.
Pairings:
- Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet treat.
Suggested side dishes:
- These cookies are a dessert on their own and do not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- If the cookies are spreading too much during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the dough.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- The cherry blossom is a symbol of spring in Japan and is celebrated with festivals and events. These cookies are inspired by the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Flavor profiles:
- These cookies have a buttery and slightly sweet flavor with bursts of cherry throughout.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Japanese
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Almond, Cherry, Almond-Flavored, Cherry-Scented