Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies
Indulge in these delightful soft and chewy cookies bursting with the flavors of maraschino cherries and topped with luscious strawberry frosting, perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Crucial for a rich texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and structure.
- 1 large egg Binding agent for the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Enhances flavor with a nutty aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Foundation of the cookie dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Helps cookies rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda Adds a slight lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances flavors.
- 1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice Infuses cookies with fruitiness.
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries Provides delightful bites of flavor.
Strawberry Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened For a smooth consistency.
- 2 cups powdered sugar Sweetens the frosting.
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree (or strawberry jam) Adds a fruity kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
- optional pink food coloring To add vibrancy.
Garnish
- to taste halved maraschino cherries or diced strawberries For beautiful topping accents.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and chopped maraschino cherries.
Baking
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet with 2 inches space between each.
- Flatten the dough balls slightly using the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.
- Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
- Spread a generous layer of strawberry frosting over each cooled cookie.
- Garnish with halved maraschino cherries or diced strawberries.
Notes
Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes for a chewier texture. Consider mixing in nuts or chocolate chips for added crunch. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.