Introduction to Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies
Ah, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something truly special about baking, especially when it comes to making Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little bites of joy that can brighten up any gathering. Imagine the soft, tender texture melting in your mouth, revealing a burst of cherry goodness inside. Perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is a quick solution for those busy days when you crave something festive. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies
These Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies are a dream come true for any home baker. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for those hectic holiday schedules. The taste? Oh, it’s a delightful combination of buttery goodness and sweet cherry surprise that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, they look stunning on any dessert table, adding a touch of festive charm that’s hard to resist!
Ingredients for Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies
To create these delightful Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting that perfect texture and flavor.
- Soft unsalted butter: This is the base of your cookie dough, providing richness and a tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for flavor; it brings warmth and depth to the cookies.
- Almond extract: Optional, but it pairs beautifully with cherry, enhancing the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies, giving them body and stability.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Almond flour: This adds a lovely, tender texture that makes the cookies extra special.
- Cherry jam: The star of the show! It provides that sweet, fruity center that bursts with flavor.
- Optional cornstarch: If your jam is too runny, this will help thicken it for a perfect filling.
- Candied cherries or amarena: For those who like a chunkier center, these add a delightful texture.
- Extra powdered sugar: For rolling the cookies, giving them that beautiful snow-dusted appearance.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Let’s start by making the dough for our Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies. In a large mixing bowl, beat the soft unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is creamy and pale. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, add in the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until well combined. Now, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until a soft dough forms. Once done, pop the dough in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This makes shaping easier!
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Center
While the dough chills, let’s focus on the cherry center. If your cherry jam seems too runny, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a teaspoon of hot water to create a slurry. Stir this into the jam and heat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This will thicken the jam, giving it that perfect, glossy consistency. Allow it to cool slightly before using. You want it thick enough to hold its shape inside the cookies!
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—shaping the cookies! Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Take a small piece of dough, about the size of a golf ball, and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place half a teaspoon of the cooled cherry jam in the center. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the jam, sealing it completely. Make sure there are no cracks; otherwise, the jam might leak out during baking. Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
It’s time to bake! Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the bottoms to be just lightly golden while the tops remain pale. This is key to achieving that snow-dusted look. Remember, we’re not aiming for browning here—just a soft, pillowy cookie that looks like a little snowball!
Step 5: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. After that, roll each cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This creates that beautiful snow-dusted effect. For an extra snowy look, let them cool completely and roll them in powdered sugar again. Trust me, it’s worth it for that festive touch!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
- Don’t skip the second roll in powdered sugar for that perfect snow-dusted look.
- Experiment with different jams for unique flavors—raspberry or apricot work beautifully!
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tender.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A stand mixer works great, but a hand mixer or whisk will do just fine.
- Baking sheet: A standard baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cookie scoop: Optional, but helps in portioning dough evenly.
Variations of Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherry center.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs for a plant-based treat.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Serving Suggestions for Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- Present them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
- Include them in a holiday cookie box as a sweet gift for friends and family.
FAQs about Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies
As I’ve baked these Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies, I’ve come across a few common questions that might pop up in your mind. Let’s tackle them together!
Can I use a different type of jam for the center?
Absolutely! While cherry jam is the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry or apricot. Each will bring its own unique twist to your cookies!
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped cookie dough before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge before popping them in the oven.
What if my cherry jam is too runny?
If your jam is on the thinner side, don’t worry! Just mix a bit of cornstarch with hot water to thicken it up. This will help create that perfect cherry center that won’t leak out during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive treats without worry!
Final Thoughts
Baking Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy. Each bite transports you to a cozy holiday gathering, where laughter and love fill the air. The combination of tender cookie and sweet cherry center creates a delightful surprise that brings smiles to faces young and old. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the magic of baking, and let these cookies sprinkle a little joy into your life!
Print
Snow-Dusted Cherry Center Cookies: A Festive Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 18–22 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ultra-tendres, friables et fondants comme des snowballs, mais avec un cœur de confiture de cerise brillante qui éclate à la première bouchée. Enrobés d’une couche généreuse de sucre glace, ils ressemblent à de petites boules de neige, parfaites pour Noël ou les plateaux gourmands.
Ingredients
- 230 g beurre doux mou
- 80 g sucre glace
- 1 c. à café extrait de vanille
- 1 c. à café extrait d’amande (optionnel mais incroyable avec la cerise)
- 280 g farine
- ½ c. à café sel
- 60 g poudre d’amande (pour une texture fondante parfaite)
- 180 g confiture de cerise ou griottes
- (Option pro) 1 c. à café fécule de maïs + 1 c. à café eau chaude → pour épaissir si nécessaire
- (Option) demi-cerises confites ou amarena pour un cœur plus “chunky”
- 150 g sucre glace (à tamiser)
Instructions
- Préparer la pâte snowball: Battre le beurre et le sucre glace jusqu’à texture crémeuse et pâle. Ajouter vanille + extrait d’amande. Incorporer farine + poudre d’amande + sel. Mélanger juste assez pour former une pâte souple. Mettre la pâte 10 minutes au frigo pour un façonnage propre.
- Préparer le cœur cerise: Si la confiture est trop liquide, mélanger avec la fécule pré-diluée et chauffer 20–30 sec. Laisser tiédir → elle doit être épaisse et brillante, comme sur la photo.
- Façonner les cookies: Préchauffer le four à 170°C. Prélever une petite boule de pâte (20–25 g). L’écraser légèrement dans la main. Déposer ½ c. café de confiture au centre. Refermer soigneusement en rouleau lisse (pas de fissures). Placer sur plaque recouverte de papier cuisson.
- Cuisson: Cuire 12–14 minutes, jusqu’à ce que le dessous soit juste blond, les cookies restent blancs et gonflés (comme sur l’image). NE PAS dorer → Ils doivent rester “neige”.
- Enrobage neige: Laisser tiédir 5 minutes. Rouler les cookies dans un bol de sucre glace. Laisser refroidir complètement. Rouler une 2ᵉ fois dans le sucre glace pour un effet neige épais et poudré (comme l’image).
Notes
- Pour un goût encore plus riche, utilisez du beurre de haute qualité.
- Les cerises confites peuvent ajouter une texture intéressante.
- Ces cookies se conservent bien dans une boîte hermétique.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
