Welcome to our cozy kitchen, where we bring you a delightful recipe that combines the essence of spring with the sweetness of homemade treats. These Cherry Blossom Cookies are not only visually stunning but also a delicious addition to any tea party or afternoon gathering. The delicate cherry flavor paired with the buttery cookie base creates a delightful taste that will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into the recipe and enjoy the wonderful flavors of the season!
Cherry Blossom Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 egg
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Pink food coloring
– White chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the almond and vanilla extracts, along with the egg, and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
5. Fold in the chopped dried cherries to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
6. Divide the dough in half. Tint one half with a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve a pale pink color.
7. Roll out both portions of dough separately between two sheets of waxed paper to a 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Use a flower-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies from the pink dough and a smaller round cutter to cut out the centers.
9. Use the same round cutter to cut out the centers of the plain dough to create the centers of the flowers.
10. Place the pink flower-shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and top each one with a white chocolate chip in the center.
11. Arrange the plain round centers on top of the white chocolate chips to create the blossom effect.
12. Press a sliced almond into each cookie to resemble the stem of the cherry blossom.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
14. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Cherry Blossom Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a perfect choice for special occasions or simply to indulge your sweet tooth. Their delicate flavors and charming appearance are sure to impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Enjoy the process of baking these lovely cookies and share them with your loved ones to spread the joy of homemade treats. Happy baking!
