Are you ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with a fun twist on a classic dessert? Cherry Pie Cookies combine the rich flavors of cherry pie with the gooey goodness of cookies. The best part? They’re easy to make! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious treats. Let’s dive into the world of Cherry Pie Cookies and create a dessert that will impress everyone!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherry filling and almond extract creates a delightful flavor that is both sweet and nutty.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the cherry filling for other fruits if you prefer, allowing for endless variations.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Cherry Pie Cookies
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup cherry filling (canned or homemade)
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
I love using unsalted butter. It gives the cookies a rich taste. Granulated sugar helps the cookies spread nicely. Vanilla extract adds a sweet aroma. All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough. Baking powder makes the cookies nice and puffy. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness too. I often use canned cherry filling for ease, but homemade is great if you have time. Almond extract gives a unique twist to the cherries. An egg wash makes the tops golden. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar makes them pretty!
Optional Add-ins
– Chocolate chips
– Nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
– Variations in fruit fillings
If you want to mix things up, try adding chocolate chips. They pair wonderfully with cherry. Nuts add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with other fruit fillings. Peach or mixed berries can make this cookie recipe even more fun! The choices are endless.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy. The butter should be soft for best results. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and blend it well into the mix.
Dough Preparation
– In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Then, slowly add the dry mix to the butter mix. Stir gently until just combined.
– Divide the dough into two equal halves. Flatten each half into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to roll out.
Assembling the Cookies
– After chilling, take out one disc. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
– Use a round cookie cutter, about 3 inches in diameter, to cut out circles. Place half of the circles on the prepared baking sheet.
– In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of cherry filling with 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Place a teaspoon of this filling in the center of each dough circle.
– Roll out the second disc and cut out more circles to create tops for the cookies. Carefully place these on top of the filling. Seal the edges by pressing down with a fork.
Baking Process
– Beat 1 egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the cookies with this egg wash. This gives a golden finish.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want a nice color.
– Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. After cooling, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Dough
To avoid sticky dough, keep your work surface floured. If the dough sticks, add a bit more flour. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle. For rolling out dough evenly, use a rolling pin with guides. These guides help you maintain a consistent thickness. Roll from the center outwards to keep it round.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add spices or zest for extra flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or some lemon zest can make a big difference. Experimenting with different fillings is fun too. Try using peach or mixed berry filling for a twist. Each flavor offers a new taste experience.
Achieving the Best Texture
To get the best texture, watch your bake time. For soft cookies, bake for 12 minutes. If you want crispier cookies, go for 15 minutes. The cookies should be golden brown when done. Let them cool on a wire rack for the best texture. This step helps them stay crisp.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Choose the Right Cherries: For the best flavor, use high-quality cherry filling. If using canned, look for varieties with natural ingredients.
- Seal the Edges: Make sure to press the edges of the cookies firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations
Different Flavor Profiles
You can play with flavors in your cookies. Here are two fun options:
– Peach pie cookies: Swap the cherry filling for peach filling. Use fresh or canned peaches. This gives a sweet twist.
– Mixed berry pie cookies: Combine berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. This adds color and a burst of flavor.
Dietary Adjustments
If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these cookies. Here are some ideas:
– Gluten-free alternatives: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check the labels for safe options.
– Vegan adaptations: Replace the butter with a vegan spread. Use a flax egg instead of the regular egg. This keeps the cookies moist.
Seasonal Twists
Make your cookies fit the season with these fun ideas:
– Fall-themed: Add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough. This gives a warm, cozy flavor.
– Holiday-themed: Top the cookies with festive sprinkles or colored sugar. This adds a fun touch for celebrations.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your cherry pie cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. You can layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer.
Shelf Life
At room temperature, these cookies last about four to five days. You will know they are still good if they smell sweet and look nice. If they start to get hard or dry, they are past their prime. Also, watch out for any signs of mold or an off smell.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet for about five minutes. This helps restore their soft texture and warm flavor. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a quicker option. Just be careful, as this can make them too soft if heated too long.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry filling?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain them first. This helps remove extra moisture. Add sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Cook the cherries on the stove for a few minutes until soft. This gives you a tasty cherry filling.
How can I make cherry pie filling from scratch?
To make cherry pie filling, start with fresh or frozen cherries. You will need:
– 4 cups of cherries
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1/4 cup of cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract
– A pinch of salt
In a pot, combine cherries, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release juice. Mix cornstarch with water and stir it in. Cook until the filling thickens. Add almond extract for flavor. Let it cool before using.
What are the best baking sheets for cookies?
The best baking sheets are light-colored and heavy-duty. They help cookies bake evenly. A non-stick surface can prevent sticking. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps cookies cook better.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
What is the nutritional value of cherry pie cookies?
Each cookie has about 150 calories. Here’s a quick breakdown:
– Total fat: 7g
– Saturated fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Sugar: 8g
– Protein: 1g
These cookies are a sweet treat but enjoy them in moderation!
Cherry pie cookies are a delightful blend of flavors and textures. We covered the key ingredients, steps to make the dough, and tips for perfect cookies. You can even explore variations like peach or berry flavors.
These cookies are fun to make, and they taste amazing. With a bit of creativity, you can customize them to fit any season or diet. Enjoy baking, and share these treats with friends and famil
