Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies for Winter Baking Magic Recipe

Introduction

These Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies bring a touch of winter magic to your baking. Soft, buttery, and studded with sweet maraschino cherries and crunchy walnuts, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy days at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (90g) finely chopped walnuts
• ¾ cup (110g) finely chopped maraschino cherries, blotted dry
• Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Optional: extra cherry pieces for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Add the vanilla extract and almond extract if using, then mix well to combine.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
5. Step 5: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
7. Step 7: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms of the cookies turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: While still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar. Once completely cooled on wire racks, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger cherry flavor, add extra finely chopped cherries on top of each cookie before baking as a garnish.
• If you prefer a crunchier cookie, toast the walnuts lightly before mixing them in.
• Almond extract adds a lovely complimentary note but can be omitted if you prefer a more straightforward vanilla flavor.
• Make sure to blot cherries dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough, which can affect texture.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them well wrapped for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and if desired, refresh them by rolling in powdered sugar again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries?

You can use dried cherries instead, but the texture and sweetness will differ. Dried cherries may be less moist and chewy compared to maraschino cherries, so consider soaking them in a little warm water or juice beforehand to soften.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the cookie’s texture.

Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies for Winter Baking Magic Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 133 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delightful Cherry Walnut Cookies offer a perfect blend of buttery richness, crunchy walnuts, and sweet maraschino cherries, making them an ideal treat for winter baking. These soft, sugar-coated cookies are easy to prepare and bring festive joy to any holiday gathering.

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Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (90g) finely chopped walnuts
• ¾ cup (110g) finely chopped maraschino cherries, blotted dry
• Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Optional: extra cherry pieces for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender cookie base. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract if using, and mix well to combine.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt into the creamed mixture until a soft cookie dough forms. Carefully fold in the finely chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries to evenly distribute them throughout the dough without overmixing.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhancing the flavors.
4. Shape Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them at least 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets to prevent sticking and allow for even cooking.
5. Bake Cookies: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the bottoms turn lightly golden. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
6. Roll in Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them lightly. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again for a beautiful, snowy finish.

Notes

• Blot maraschino cherries dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
• Optional almond extract adds a complementary nutty flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
• Cookies keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For an extra festive look, press an additional cherry piece on top of each cookie before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cherry walnut cookies, winter cookies, holiday baking, buttery cookies, maraschino cherry cookies, festive cookies, walnut cookies