Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies

If you’re looking for a deliciously sweet and visually stunning treat to brighten up your dessert table, look no further than Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies! These cookies combine the rich, tart flavor of cherries with the sweet, creamy indulgence of strawberry frosting, creating a truly irresistible dessert. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are a great way to add some fruity flair to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup of maraschino cherries, chopped (drained and patted dry)
• ½ cup of cherry juice (from the maraschino cherries)

For the strawberry frosting:

• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• ¼ cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam or puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft and chewy cookie texture.

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and continue mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Step 2: Add the Cherry Flavor

To infuse your cookies with that delightful cherry essence, chop up the maraschino cherries into small pieces. Add them along with the cherry juice into the dough. Gently fold in the chopped cherries and juice until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them spread evenly as they bake.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden to overdone. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Frosting

While the cookies cool, it’s time to make the strawberry frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, strawberry jam (or puree), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or a little more jam for a looser frosting.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Once your cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting over the top of each cookie. Feel free to get creative by adding sprinkles or small cherry pieces on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Success:

• Fresh Cherries vs. Maraschino Cherries: While maraschino cherries are ideal for this recipe because of their sweetness and color, you can substitute with fresh cherries if you prefer a more natural taste. Be sure to pit and chop them before adding to the dough.
• Consistency of Frosting: If the frosting feels too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
• Storage: Store your Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month if you want to make them in advance.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies:

These Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors—tangy cherry, creamy strawberry frosting, and a chewy cookie base that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want to satisfy a sweet tooth, these cookies will not disappoint.

With their vibrant colors and burst of fruity flavor, they’re also a visually stunning treat that’s perfect for spring or summer gatherings. These cookies are sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who takes a bite!

Final Thoughts:

The next time you’re in the mood to bake something extraordinary, give Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies a try. With a simple mix of fresh ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a deliciously unique dessert that everyone will adore. So, preheat your oven, grab your cherries, and get ready to enjoy this delightful treat!

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Serving and Storage Tips for Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies

Serving Tips:

• Perfect for Parties: These cookies are a great addition to any party or gathering. Their vibrant colors and sweet flavor make them a showstopper on dessert tables. Serve them alongside other fruity or festive treats for a well-rounded dessert spread.
• Pairing Ideas: These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a refreshing iced tea. For an indulgent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
• Presentation: To elevate the presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or cake stand. Add a few whole cherries or sprigs of mint for garnish to create a beautiful, eye-catching display.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store your Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. This helps retain the freshness of the cookies and keeps the frosting intact. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them to avoid any moisture buildup.
• Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Frosting Storage: If you plan to store the frosting separately, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. When ready to use, simply bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading on the cookies.

By following these serving and storage tips, your Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies will remain fresh, flavorful, and ready to delight for days to come!

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries! Just be sure to pit and chop them before adding them to the dough. Keep in mind that fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino cherries, so you might want to add a little extra sugar to the dough to balance the flavors.

2. How can I make the frosting more colorful?
If you want a more vibrant pink frosting, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the strawberry frosting. A drop of red or pink food coloring will enhance the color and make the cookies look even more festive.

3. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance! Simply cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling the dough can help the cookies maintain their shape while baking, and it can also enhance the flavor.

4. Can I decorate the cookies with something other than frosting?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can dip the cookies in melted white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of using frosting. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top for added texture and flavor.

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