Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies: A Timeless Holiday Delight
Traditional Charm of Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
Old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies bring a timeless appeal to the holiday season. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. Made with simple ingredients like butter, confectioner’s sugar, and glace cherries, they capture the essence of classic holiday baking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are an easy and delightful addition to your Christmas recipe collection.
Why You Should Bake Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
One of the best reasons to make old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain or add festive decorations. The cookies stay soft for days, making them great for gifting. Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa or eggnog for the perfect holiday experience. Not sure how to store these cookies for maximum freshness? Check out how to store Christmas cookies for optimal freshness.
Perfecting Your Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
Achieving the right texture is key. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well to ensure the cookies turn out light and soft. If you struggle with icing consistency, discover the best tips for perfect cookie icing every time. Adding glace cherries not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a sweet, fruity touch that complements the buttery base perfectly. Transitioning from prep to baking is quick, so you can have fresh cookies in less than 30 minutes.
With these cookies, you’ll bring the nostalgia of a classic Christmas right into your kitchen.
Basic Recipe
Print
Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a sweet cherry icing, perfect for adding a classic touch to your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie:
- 2 cups butter, softened
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- For the Icing:
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup glace cherries, halved
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioner’s sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in cornstarch and flour until the dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool.
- For the icing, whisk confectioner’s sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each cookie and top with a halved glace cherry.
Notes
Tips for ensuring the cookies remain soft and avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
STEPS
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Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.
Advanced Techniques for Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
Perfecting the Texture
To achieve the ideal texture for old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies, it’s crucial to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly. This process incorporates air, creating a light and fluffy dough that results in melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Additionally, using room-temperature butter ensures even mixing and a consistent dough texture. Make sure not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to dense cookies instead of the soft, tender results you desire.
Mastering the Icing Consistency
Icing plays a vital role in enhancing the appearance and taste of old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies. The key to achieving the perfect icing consistency is balancing the sugar, milk, and corn syrup. Start by whisking the ingredients slowly to avoid lumps, and add milk in small amounts until you reach a smooth, pourable texture. If you prefer thicker icing, adjust by adding more confectioner’s sugar, but be cautious to avoid making it too sweet. A smooth consistency ensures the glace cherries adhere well to the cookie surface.
Variations to Elevate the Classic Recipe
For those looking to add a twist to old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies, try incorporating flavor variations. Adding a touch of almond extract can complement the vanilla and give a subtle nutty flavor. For a festive color variation, you can use red and green glace cherries or even candied cranberries. If you enjoy a hint of citrus, zest some orange or lemon into the icing mixture for a refreshing twist. Experimenting with flavors and colors allows for personalization, making each batch unique and festive.
By mastering these techniques, you’ll create perfect cookies every time, ensuring they’re a highlight of your holiday treats.
Maintenance Tips for Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
Proper Storage for Freshness
To keep old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer the cookies with parchment paper between each level to prevent sticking. This method keeps the cookies soft and maintains their texture for up to a week. For the best results, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the cookies are exposed to moisture or air, they may become soggy or stale, which can diminish their delightful, buttery flavor.
Freezing Tips for Future Enjoyment
Old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies are also perfect for freezing. If you plan to make them ahead of time, prepare the dough and roll it into small balls before placing them on a baking sheet. Freeze the unbaked dough balls until firm, then transfer them to a resealable bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough directly on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This approach is convenient for those who want to enjoy freshly baked cookies throughout the holiday season.
Reviving Cookies for Optimal Taste
If your old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies have been stored for a few days and feel less fresh, reheating them is a simple solution. Warm them in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F) for 5 minutes to bring back their soft texture and buttery aroma. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the cookies chewy instead of soft. Additionally, for cookies stored in the freezer, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour before reheating to prevent uneven warming.
Following these maintenance tips ensures that your cookies remain delicious and ready to enjoy whenever you need a festive treat.
Dietary Adaptations for Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
Gluten-Free Variation
For those who are gluten-sensitive, old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies can easily be made gluten-free. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking to maintain the cookie’s texture. You may need to adjust the amount slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently. Despite these changes, the cookies will still turn out buttery and delicious, perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Dairy-Free Adaptation
Old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies can also be adapted for a dairy-free diet. Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as margarine or coconut oil. Make sure the substitute has a similar fat content to butter for the best results. These dairy-free cookies will still maintain their softness and flavor, making them a great option for those avoiding dairy. Additionally, check that other ingredients, like confectioner’s sugar, are dairy-free, as some brands may contain traces of milk.
Low-Sugar Option
If you prefer a reduced-sugar version of old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies, use a sugar substitute that’s suitable for baking, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Substitute the confectioner’s sugar in both the cookie dough and icing. Keep in mind that sugar substitutes may have a different level of sweetness, so taste the dough and icing as you adjust. The cookies will still have a light texture, and the glace cherries will add a natural sweetness to balance the flavors.
These dietary adaptations ensure that everyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can enjoy the delightful flavors of old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies without compromising on taste.
FAQs About Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
What can I use instead of glace cherries?
If you prefer a different flavor or can’t find glace cherries, you can easily substitute them in old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies. Try using candied cranberries, dried cherries, or even chopped maraschino cherries. These alternatives still provide the sweet, fruity touch that complements the buttery cookie base, while adding a new twist. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference and the size of the substitute.
Can I make old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough into balls and bake as directed. This method ensures you have freshly baked cookies without all the preparation on the same day. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months and bake when needed.
Why is my icing not setting properly?
For old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies, the icing should be smooth but firm enough to set. If the icing remains runny, try adding more confectioner’s sugar to thicken it. Make sure you are using cold milk, as warm liquids can prevent the icing from setting. If the consistency is still not right, allow the cookies to rest in a cool environment to help the icing firm up.
Can I double the recipe for larger batches?
Absolutely! Old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies can be easily scaled up. When doubling the recipe, ensure that you evenly mix all ingredients to maintain a consistent texture. Additionally, watch the baking time closely, as oven temperatures may vary slightly with larger batches.
Final Tips and Notes for Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
Achieving Consistent Results Every Time
When making old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies, consistency is key. Always measure ingredients accurately using measuring cups and spoons. Avoid packing flour too tightly, as this can make the cookies dense. Instead, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Consistency in mixing and baking time ensures that each batch comes out perfectly soft and flavorful.
Customizing the Decoration
One of the best aspects of old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies is the opportunity to personalize them. You can experiment with different decorations, such as adding colored sugar sprinkles to the icing or using festive cookie cutters for unique shapes. To create a more vibrant look, consider adding food coloring to the icing. These small touches make the cookies visually appealing and add to the festive holiday atmosphere.
Maximizing Flavor with Ingredient Quality
Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor in old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies. Opt for pure vanilla extract instead of artificial flavoring, and select fresh glace cherries for the best taste. Additionally, using unsalted butter allows for better control over the cookie’s salt content, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Enjoying and Sharing Old Fashioned Christmas Cherry Cookies
These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. Consider packaging them in festive boxes or bags for a personal touch when giving them as gifts. Whether enjoyed with loved ones or as a treat for yourself, old fashioned Christmas cherry cookies bring the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas straight to your home.