Pink Cherry Cookies: A Delightful, Fruity Treat
If you’re looking to add a splash of color and a burst of cherry flavor to your baking, Pink Cherry Cookies are the perfect choice. These charming cookies are not only visually stunning with their lovely rosy hue but also deliver a sweet and slightly tart fruitiness that will brighten up any snack time or celebration.
Originating from a playful twist on classic cherry desserts, Pink Cherry Cookies bring together the soft texture of chewy cookies with the vibrant, tangy notes of cherries. They’re a joy to bake and share, whether you’re making them for a holiday, a party, or just a cozy afternoon at home.
Ingredients for Pink Cherry Cookies
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) cherry juice or cherry syrup (preferably unsweetened)
- Red food coloring, a few drops (optional, to enhance the pink color)
- 1 cup (150g) dried cherries, chopped (or cherry preserves for a moister texture)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer at medium speed.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Pour in the cherry juice or syrup along with a few drops of red food coloring if you want a more vibrant pink color. Mix well until the dough has an even pink tint.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the dough without breaking them up too much.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches between each to allow spreading.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for the edges to turn just golden. The centers should look set but still soft to the touch. Overbaking will dry out the cookies.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, sprinkle the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch.
- Store your Pink Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to keep them longer.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12-14 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
- Difficulty level: Easy
Tips & Variations
- Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels in your cookies.
- If you want a more pronounced cherry flavor, soak dried cherries in cherry juice for 30 minutes before folding into the dough.
- Be gentle when mixing in the cherries to keep the cookies attractive and prevent color bleeding.
- For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and adjust liquids as needed.
- Dough can be refrigerated for 2 days or frozen for a month; thaw before baking.
- Try adding a pinch of almond extract to complement the cherry flavor.
- Swap dried cherries for fresh chopped cherries if preferred, but expect a softer texture and shorter shelf life.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion
Pink Cherry Cookies are a wonderful way to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of cherries in a fun, colorful cookie form. Perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies bring a touch of joy and elegance to any occasion. They’re easy to make and sure to impress with their beautiful color and delicious taste.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your baking experience and photos! Pair these cookies with a cup of tea or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat. Happy baking!