Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies
Delightful cookies bursting with fruity flavors from maraschino cherries and topped with creamy strawberry frosting, perfect for gatherings and sweet cravings.
Ingredients
For the cookie base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for the cookie base
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
For the strawberry frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree (or strawberry jam)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring optional
- Halved maraschino cherries or diced strawberries for garnish
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 until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is smooth.
- Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them onto the baking sheet with enough spacing.
- Flatten the balls slightly for even baking.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Add the strawberry puree or jam and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
- Incorporate pink food coloring if desired.
- Spread the frosting on cooled cookies and garnish with halved cherries or diced strawberries.
Notes
Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies. You can substitute dried cherries or fresh fruit if maraschino cherries are not available. For various flavors, use different fruit purees in the frosting.