The best Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies
Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that’s both soft and sweet. With a lovely cherry on top, these cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day. They’re perfect for baking on weekends or for special occasions, and they make a great dessert for family gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter room temperature
- 3 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup colored sugar
- 30 red maraschino cherries drained and dried
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add almond extract and mix until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture and blend until just combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in colored sugar.
- Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes, being careful not to overbake. The cookies should remain soft.
- Immediately press a maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie while still warm.
- Optional: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 10-15 second intervals, stirring between each session. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely and let the chocolate set before storing them in an airtight container.
Notes
How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies
Serve these cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They are great for sharing, so place them on a pretty plate for friends and family to enjoy.How to Store Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies
To store your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to make them last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.Tips to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t skip refrigerating the dough; it helps keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Experiment with different types of colored sugar for fun decorations!