Spring Blossom Cookies

Every cookie tells a story, and Spring Blossom Cookies are no exception. This delightful treat, reminiscent of warm spring days, fills your kitchen with sweet anticipation. Whether they’re for a family gathering or a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies offer a taste of pure comfort. With their buttery base and a surprise bite of cherry preserves, they bring a sense of joy that can only come from homemade goodies.

The key ingredients in these cookies make them truly special. You’ll use 1 cup of unsalted butter, which gives the cookies a rich flavor and a soft, tender crumb. Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, and it brings a touch of sweetness. The single egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract enhance the overall depth, creating a comforting aroma. The flour, baking powder, and salt work together to create a perfect texture, while the cherry preserves add a delightful tartness. Finally, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds the finishing touch, making these cookies a visually inviting treat.

Making Spring Blossom Cookies is quite simple. You begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Next, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine the two mixtures until you have a dough. You will form the dough into small balls, creating an indentation in each one to hold that delicious cherry preserve. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until they turn a light golden color, then let them cool, and finish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

These cookies are perfect for various occasions. They are delightful as an afternoon snack, impressive enough for a potluck, or even a sweet treat after dinner. Their light, buttery texture and fruity filling make them a flexible choice for both casual and festive moments.

Why You’ll Love This Spring Blossom Cookies

• Quick: They come together in no time, making them a great last-minute dessert option.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
• Comfort Food: The soft, buttery cookies are like a hug for your taste buds.
• Versatile: Great for any occasion, from family gatherings to quiet evenings at home.
• Family-Friendly: Easy enough for the youngest members to help with, creating kitchen memories together.

Butter Tips

Butter is the star of this recipe, and choosing the right kind ensures your cookies turn out deliciously. Opt for unsalted butter, as it allows you to control the salt levels in your recipe better. Look for butter that is fresh and stored properly in the fridge. If possible, buy high-quality butter for the best flavor. Allow the butter to soften at room temperature before creaming it with sugar; this will help achieve a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.

Options for Substitutions

• Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Swap out the egg for a flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan version.
• Use almond or another flavor extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs.
• Consider swapping cherry preserves with raspberry or apricot preserves for variety.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

When making Spring Blossom Cookies, there are some common pitfalls to avoid. First, be sure to preheat your oven properly. If it’s not hot enough, your cookies may spread too much or bake unevenly. Second, when creaming the butter and sugar, make sure it’s light and fluffy. This process is essential for creating a good cookie texture, so don’t rush it. Third, be cautious not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined leads to lighter cookies. Lastly, ensure you let the cookies cool before dusting them with powdered sugar; if they are too warm, the sugar will simply melt.

What to Serve With Spring Blossom Cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. You could also offer fresh fruit, like berries, which complement the cherry preserves inside the cookies. A simple fruit salad can add a light, refreshing touch to your table.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freeze: If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are in an airtight container.

Reheat: To enjoy your cookies warm again, reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes, not including oven preheating.
Cooking Time: About 12 minutes.
Total Time: 27 minutes.
Level of Difficulty: Easy.
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1,440 – 1,600
• Protein: 14 – 18g
• Fat: 78 – 84g
• Carbohydrates: 144 – 160g

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and are easy to remove once baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dough

Roll the dough into small balls, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.

Step 6: Fill with Cherry Preserves

Make an indentation in the center of each dough ball with your thumb. Spoon a small amount of cherry preserves into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Dust

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. After they have cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation before serving.

In conclusion, Spring Blossom Cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert table. They are not only easy to make but also create lasting memories. I invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts. Explore similar recipes on this blog to continue your baking journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different preserves for these cookies?

Yes, you can certainly use different types of preserves. Raspberry or apricot preserves would add a nice twist to the flavor.

How do I make these cookies more festive?

You could add colorful sprinkles on top before baking or use holiday-themed cookie cutters to shape the dough instead of rolling into balls.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze the formed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months before baking.

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