Cookies are a universally loved treat, and when they come with the vibrant flavors of cherry and lemon, they become an irresistible delight. These Luscious Cherry Lemon Cookies are perfect for any occasion, combining the sweetness of cherry jam with the zesty brightness of lemon. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want a delicious treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
To create these delectable cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherry jam
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
Directions
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure tender cookies.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Shape the Cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill with Cherry Jam:
- Fill each indentation with a small amount of cherry jam, approximately 1/2 teaspoon per cookie.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Preparing the Lemon Frosting
- Make the Frosting:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon until the mixture is smooth. If desired, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to enhance the lemony appearance.
-
Drizzle the Frosting:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the lemon frosting over the top. Allow the frosting to set before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Lemon Cookies
Ingredient Quality
- Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor. The zest adds an extra punch of lemony goodness.
Technique
- Thumbprint Indentation: When making the indentation for the jam, be gentle to avoid cracking the dough. A smooth, deep indentation holds the jam perfectly.
- Mixing: Mix the dough until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can make the cookies tough.
Baking
- Even Spacing: Space the cookies evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they bake uniformly and don’t spread into each other.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting off.
FAQs About Cherry Lemon Cookies
Can I Use Different Jams?
Yes, you can substitute the cherry jam with your favorite jam or preserve. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam would all be delicious alternatives.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and add the frosting before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking the cookies.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the baking powder and baking soda, are certified gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Add the Frosting?
For an even drizzle, use a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. This allows you to control the flow of the frosting and create neat, decorative drizzles.
Why Are My Cookies Spreading Too Much?
Cookies may spread too much if the dough is too warm or if there is too much sugar or fat in the recipe. To prevent this, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking and ensure your measurements are accurate.
Enjoy Your Luscious Cherry Lemon Cookies
Baking these Cherry Lemon Cookies is a delightful way to bring bright, sunny flavors into your kitchen. With their tender texture, sweet cherry centers, and zesty lemon frosting, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Share them with friends and family, or enjoy them with a cup of tea for a perfect treat. Happy baking!