Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies are a treat that will make your taste buds dance! These soft cookies are packed with cherry flavor and a hint of vanilla, giving them a cheerful twist.
Making these cookies is a breeze, and the sweet smell will fill your kitchen with happiness. I love serving them at parties or just enjoying with a cup of tea! 🍒💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
Unsalted Butter: I love using real butter for the rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, ingredients like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute will work well, too.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for sweetness, but you can try coconut sugar for a different flavor and a hint of caramel. Just remember that it may change the cookie color slightly.
Food Coloring: Pink food coloring gives these cookies their signature look. If you prefer natural options, beet juice or dried cherry powder can add color without artificial ingredients.
Chocolate Center Decoration: Besides chocolate, consider using a nut like a pecan or even a dried cherry on top for an additional flavor twist!
How Do I Make Perfectly Shaped Cherry Blossom Cookies?
Shaping the cookies can be the trickiest part, but it’s all about patience and technique. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by flattening a spoonful of plain dough. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness.
- For petals, make smaller balls of pink dough. Arrange them in a circle around the flattened dough, keeping it slightly pressed down.
- Don’t worry if the petals look a little rough; they’ll round off while baking!
- Finally, use your fingertips to gently press the center and petals firmly so they stick together during baking.
Taking these steps will help you create beautiful cookies that look as lovely as they taste! 👩🍳🌸
Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional for a slight nutty flavor)
- Pink food coloring
For Decoration:
- ¼ cup sanding sugar or coarse sugar (for sparkle)
- Cherry or red candy melts/gel for coloring details
- Chocolate or chocolate ganache for center decoration (like a pecan half or chocolate piped flower)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 10-12 minutes of baking time. Be prepared for a bit of cooling, too—about 5-10 minutes before they’re ready to serve. In total, you’ll spend less than an hour making these gorgeous treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This combination creates a good base for your cookies. Once well mixed, set these dry ingredients aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The airiness will help keep the cookies soft and tender!
3. Mix in the Egg and Extracts:
Now, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and if you’re using it, the almond extract. Beat this mixture until everything is well combined. The extracts add wonderful flavor to each bite!
4. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
5. Create the Pink Dough:
Take about ¼ of the dough and place it in a separate bowl. Add a few drops of pink food coloring, then knead or mix until the dough is a uniform pink color. This will be the “petals” for your cherry blossom cookies!
6. Form the Cookies:
With a spoon, scoop some of the plain dough and flatten it gently on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, take smaller amounts of pink dough and shape them into circles (petals) around the plain dough piece, sticking about five petals around each cookie.
7. Add Sugar Sparkle:
To give your cookies a lovely shimmer, lightly brush the pink dough petals with a little water or a tiny bit of corn syrup. Then sprinkle the sanding sugar over the top, making them sparkle beautifully!
8. Baking Time:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake!
9. Decorate the Centers:
As soon as the cookies are out of the oven and still warm, add a small dollop of chocolate ganache or melted chocolate in the center of each one to mimic the look of a flower’s stamen. For extra flair, you can carefully pipe small lines with cherry candy melts or edible gel from the center out onto the petals.
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!
These charming Sweet Cherry Blossom Cookies are sure to brighten up your dessert platter and delight your friends and family!
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed! Just be sure to check the packaging for specific substitution ratios or additional binding agents, like xanthan gum, as it can help achieve a similar texture.
Do I Need to Chill the Dough?
No, chilling the dough isn’t necessary for this recipe. The cookies will spread nicely in the oven without needing extra time in the fridge. Just be sure to work quickly to prevent the dough from getting too warm!
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them properly to avoid freezer burn!
What Can I Use Instead of Almond Extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond extract or need a substitute, you can simply omit it or replace it with an additional ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract for added sweetness and flavor. Alternatively, hazelnut extract could provide a nice twist!
