Cozy up with Christmas Cherry Blossom Cookies
The scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house has a special kind of magic during the holiday season. I can still remember my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where she would whip up the most delightful treats, often with my tiny hands eagerly helping her. As the soft heat of the oven permeated that warm space, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings back those cherished memories—the Christmas Cherry Blossom Cookies! These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of love, connection, and the little magical moments that make the holidays memorable. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening by the fire, these cookies are a holiday favorite you’ll want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: These cookies come together in no time—ideal for busy holiday schedules!
- Crowd-Pleasing: With their festive colors and sweet, buttery flavor, they are sure to charm both children and adults alike.
- Family-Friendly: Engage the kids in rolling and decorating; it’s a fun way to create holiday traditions together.
- Customizable: You can easily add your twist with different flavors or decorations!
- Make-Ahead: Mix the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you need a sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Cherry Blossom Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, reminiscent of clouds on a sunny day.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract, blending until well combined—this is where the magic happens!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft and buttery.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and then roll them in sprinkles for the festive finish!
- Place the cookie balls onto a lined baking sheet and slightly flatten them—think of little cozy pillows ready for the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will be filled with the most delectable aroma!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t forget to sneak a warm one for yourself!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chippers: Add a half cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with the buttery base.
- Zesty Lemon: Mix in the zest of one lemon for a bright, zesty flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
- Nutty Pecan: Incorporate chopped pecans into the dough for a delightful crunchy twist and indulgent flavor.
- Coconut Kisses: Replace half of the sprinkles with shredded coconut for a tropical, chewy twist that will transport you to a sunny beach!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dough up to three days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.
- Decorate Smart: Use different colored sprinkles to match your Holiday theme or to create fun patterns with melted chocolate drizzled on top.
- Storage Secrets: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer enjoyment!
- Cookie Size Matters: For even baking, ensure the cookie balls are uniform in size—think of it as little holiday teamwork!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Reader FAQs About Christmas Cherry Blossom Cookies
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap out extracts or add your favorite mix-ins for a twist on this classic recipe.
- How do I store leftovers? Store unused cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
- How long does it last? These cookies stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature but are best enjoyed fresh from the oven!
Cozy Closing Note
These Christmas Cherry Blossom Cookies are not just treats; they are little bites of joy that carry warmth and love into your home. Whether you share them at a gathering or enjoy them solo with a cozy blanket, their charm is sure to spread smiles. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let the sweetness of the season fill your kitchen. Save this Christmas Cherry Blossom Cookies recipe to your Holiday treats board so it’s ready when you need a cozy indulgence! Happy baking!
Christmas Cherry Blossom Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Must be softened for best results.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- to taste Red and green sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration Use various colors to match your holiday theme.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts, until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and roll them in sprinkles.
- Place the cookie balls onto a lined baking sheet and slightly flatten them.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
