Cherry Cookies

Recipe Tin Project: Cherry Cookies – A Burst of Sweet Bliss

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with our Recipe Tin Project: Cherry Cookies. This recipe is a celebration of the luscious sweetness of cherries combined with the simple joy of homemade cookies. In this edition of our Recipe Tin Project, we transform basic ingredients into a delectable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Join us as we explore the art of crafting these cherry-infused delights that will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cherries, chopped

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • Sliced almonds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

  1. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients and Cherries

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  3. Fold in the chopped dried cherries.

Step 3: Chilling the Dough

  1. Divide the cookie dough in half and shape each portion into a log.
  2. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Step 4: Preheat and Slice

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Unwrap the chilled cookie dough logs and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Place the cookie rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Glaze and Garnish (if desired)

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to create the glaze.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and garnish with sliced almonds if desired.

Cook Notes

  • Ensure the butter is properly softened for optimal creaming.
  • If the cookie dough is too soft to slice, chill it for an additional 30 minutes.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Cherry Delight

  • Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the dried cherries for a delightful chocolatey twist.

Almond Joy Fusion

  • Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of chopped almonds to the cookie dough for a tropical flair.

Lemon Zest Infusion

  • Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the cookie dough for a burst of citrusy freshness.

Keto Version

For those on a keto journey, savor the sweetness with these modifications:

For the Cherry Cookies:

  • Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour.
  • Use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of granulated sugar.
  • Opt for sugar-free dried cherries or substitute with freeze-dried strawberries for a lower-carb option.

For the Glaze:

  • Use powdered erythritol or another keto-friendly sweetener for the glaze.

Additional Variations:

  • Experiment with different keto-friendly flours to achieve the desired cookie texture.

Low-Carb Version

Trim down the carbs without sacrificing taste:

For the Cherry Cookies:

  • Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour.
  • Use a low-carb sweetener in place of granulated sugar.
  • Opt for sugar-free dried cherries or replace them with chopped raspberries for a lower-carb alternative.

For the Glaze:

  • Craft a glaze using powdered erythritol or another low-carb sweetener.

Additional Variations:

  • Explore different low-carb flours to find the perfect cookie consistency.

In conclusion, our Recipe Tin Project: Cherry Cookies is a testament to the joy that can be found in simplicity. Whether you follow the classic recipe, venture into keto or low-carb adaptations, or experiment with unique variations, the result is a tin filled with golden-brown, cherry-studded delights that capture the essence of homemade goodness. Share these cookies with loved ones, bring them to gatherings, or simply indulge in a moment of sweet bliss. Let the warmth of buttery dough, the burst of dried cherries, and the almond-kissed glaze transport you to a place where every bite is a celebration of flavors. Enjoy the sweet symphony created by this delightful Recipe Tin Project!