Cherry Pie Cookies

Alright, friends, prepare yourselves for Cherry Pie Cookies—they’re everything you love about a classic cherry pie, but in a handheld, bite-sized treat. Picture this: sweet, tart cherries tucked inside a buttery, flaky cookie crust that’s every bit as comforting and indulgent as it sounds. These cookies are the ultimate mash-up of a pie and a cookie, offering the best of both worlds.

Whether you’re planning a special treat for Valentine’s Day, hosting a get-together, or just want something that’s so delicious to nibble on, these Cherry Pie Cookies are sure to wow everyone at the table. Plus, they’re super easy to make, and let’s be real—who doesn’t love a good cherry dessert?

Why You’ll Love Cherry Pie Cookies

Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for these little cookies:

Sweet & Tart Perfection: The filling has that perfect balance of sweet and tart, thanks to the juicy cherries. It’s just the right amount of fruity goodness without being overly sugary.

Buttery, Flaky Crust: The cookie dough is soft and buttery with a touch of crispness, making each bite a dream. Think of it as the flaky crust of a pie, but in cookie form—genius, right?

Portable Pie: No need to fuss with slicing or serving pie; these cookies are perfect for grabbing on the go. It’s like having your own personal little pie whenever you want it!

Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a family dessert, a snack to pair with your afternoon coffee, or a gift for someone special, these cookies fit the bill every time.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling to use other fruits (blueberries, strawberries, etc.), but trust me, the cherry combo is chef’s kiss perfection.

Ingredients

These Cherry Pie Cookies require just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh or Frozen Cherries

Cherries are the star of the show! Whether you go for fresh or frozen, they bring a juicy, vibrant flavor that’s the perfect filling for these cookies.

Granulated Sugar

You’ll need a little sugar to sweeten up the cherries. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet your cherries are.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch thickens the cherry filling, giving it that perfect, jammy texture that doesn’t spill out of the cookie.

Lemon Juice & Zest

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest will brighten up the cherry filling, adding a little zing that makes the flavors pop.

Butter

The buttery cookie dough provides the perfect contrast to the sweet, tart cherry filling. It helps create that signature flaky texture.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour is the base of the cookie dough and gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft and chewy on the inside.

Baking Powder

A little baking powder helps the dough rise and gives it that light, tender texture.

Egg

The egg acts as the binder in the dough, helping everything come together and giving it that golden color.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor of the dough, making it warm and comforting.

Powdered Sugar (for dusting)

Finish off these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that beautiful, sweet finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to turn these cherry-filled dreams into reality! Let’s get baking:

Make the Cherry Filling

Start by preparing the filling. In a saucepan, combine your cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice and zest. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature while you prepare the dough.

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles, and then place a small spoonful of cherry filling in the center of each circle. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape or a full circle, pinching the edges to seal them well. If you want a cute, crimped edge, use a fork to press down around the edges.

Bake the Cookies

Place the filled cookies on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finish with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies have cooled, lightly dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Then, take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous and delicious they look!

Serve and Enjoy!

Your Cherry Pie Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or treating yourself (hey, no judgment), they’re sure to be a hit.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition for each cookie (note that it will vary depending on the size of your cookies):

• Servings: 12 (one cookie per serving)
• Calories per serving: 180
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 2g

(Note: nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Here’s a breakdown of how long it will take to make these scrumptious cookies:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cherry Pie Cookies

These little cookies are a treat on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving experience:

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: There’s something about cherry pie cookies that just begs to be paired with a warm beverage. Enjoy them with your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

As a Gift: These cookies make a beautiful gift! Package them up in a cute box or tin, and they’ll make anyone’s day extra sweet.

With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Want to get extra indulgent? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for the ultimate treat.

Add a Drizzle of Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the cookies made from powdered sugar and milk.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Cherry Pie Cookies turn out perfectly:

Make Ahead: You can make the cherry filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool before adding it to the dough.

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Customize the Filling: If cherries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries.

Add a Twist: For a little extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough. It will add a subtle warmth that pairs wonderfully with the cherry filling.

Freezing Option: You can freeze the unbaked cookies for later. Assemble the cookies, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cherries for the filling?
A1: Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly for the filling. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?
A3: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Q4: Can I make these cookies without the cherry filling?
A4: Yes! You can make these as simple sugar cookies or use a different filling, like chocolate ganache or jam, for a different twist.

Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
A5: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the consistency of the dough, as it might need a little extra chilling.

Q6: Can I add a glaze to these cookies?
A6: Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk would be a perfect finishing touch.

Q7: Can I freeze these cookies?
A7: Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q8: How do I reheat frozen cookies?
A8: To reheat, place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

Q9: Can I use other fruits in the filling?
A9: Definitely! You can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries. Adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the fruit.

Q10: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A10: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce for an egg-free version of these cookies.

Conclusion

These Cherry Pie Cookies are sweet, tart, and absolutely irresistible. With their buttery, flaky crust and juicy cherry filling, they’re the perfect little treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want a bite of something delicious, these cookies are sure to steal the show! Happy baking!

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