These Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies bring together soft, buttery cookies with a sweet surprise inside: cherry jam. Each bite is topped with a smooth strawberry glaze, adding a pop of flavor and color. The cookies make a delightful treat for any dessert spread or simply for a sweet indulgence at home. Preparation involves a quick and straightforward dough, an easy jam filling, and a simple yet flavorful glaze for an all-around winning dessert experience.
Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies offer a delicious balance of buttery texture and sweet, fruity flavors. Originating from classic cookie recipes, these treats stand out with their cherry jam centers and vibrant strawberry frosting. The buttery base melts in your mouth, while the tart cherry jam adds depth and the sweet frosting creates a delightful finish. This recipe is perfect for holiday cookie trays, celebrations, or a simple homemade indulgence.
INGREDIENTS
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened, for a rich, buttery base
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness and structure
- Eggs: 2 large, for binding and moisture
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for enhanced flavor
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups, for structure
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, for leavening
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to balance flavors
- Cherry jam or preserves: 1 cup, for filling
- Powdered sugar: 1 ½ cups, for the frosting
- Strawberry puree: 3 tablespoons, for a natural strawberry flavor in the frosting
- Pink food coloring: A few drops (optional), for visual appeal
- Powdered sugar: For dusting, if desired
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Step 3:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 5:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Step 6:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and gently flatten with your palm. Make a small indentation in the center and fill with cherry jam.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool completely before adding frosting.
- Step 8:
- To prepare the frosting, mix the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and food coloring until smooth. Adjust the consistency with a small amount of water if too thick.
- Step 9:
- Spread the strawberry frosting over the cooled cookies and dust with powdered sugar.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Helpful Notes
- For a twist, try different jam flavors like raspberry or apricot.
- Adjust the consistency of the frosting with small amounts of water or powdered sugar as needed.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use high-quality butter for a richer flavor profile.
Why Strawberry Cherry Cookies are a Delightful Treat
The combination of strawberry and cherry flavors brings a refreshing contrast that makes these cookies stand out from traditional options. The buttery cookie base complements the tangy, sweet jam filling and smooth strawberry frosting, creating a multi-layered taste experience. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, they bring both classic and new flavors to your dessert lineup.
Creating Beautiful and Flavorful Cookies
Whether for a family gathering, a bake sale, or simply a treat for yourself, these cookies are easy to make yet deliver big on flavor. The cherry jam center adds moisture, while the frosting can be customized for color and sweetness. It's all about balancing ingredients and following the straightforward preparation steps for the perfect bite.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit jam?
Yes, you can substitute with any fruit jam, such as raspberry or apricot, for different flavors.
How long can I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, these cookies can be frozen without the frosting and topped once thawed for best results.
Is the pink food coloring necessary?
No, it is optional and purely for aesthetic purposes.
Summary
Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies combine the rich, buttery texture of freshly baked cookies with a sweet filling of cherry jam, all topped with a smooth strawberry glaze. These cookies are easy to make, starting with a classic cookie dough that is shaped, filled, and baked until the edges are just golden. The frosting adds a fruity and decorative touch, with optional pink food coloring for extra vibrancy. Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats, they strike a delightful balance between soft cookie, fruity filling, and sweet glaze. Best served fresh or can be stored for a few days for extended enjoyment.