Cherry Bakewell Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the fragrance of fresh-baked Cherry Bakewell Cookies wafting through your kitchen. These delightful little treats are the perfect blend of sweet cherry jam, almond-flavored dough, and a sprinkling of crunchy almonds that transport you straight to a charming English tea room. Whether you’re looking for a speedy dessert to impress your guests or simply wanting to indulge in a nostalgic reminder of your childhood, these cookies are your answer. They are effortlessly easy to make, perfect during family gatherings, and just the right amount of decadent to satisfy any sweet tooth. Trust me; once you take your first bite of these symmetrical wonders, you won’t be able to resist going back for more!

What’s your favorite sweet treat that brings back childhood memories?

If you had to choose one indulgence that reminds you of simpler times, what would it be? Picture this: it’s a rainy afternoon, and you’re cozied up in the kitchen, perhaps with a sibling or a parent, while the rich aroma of cookies fills the air. Each ingredient being mixed unfolds a story of laughter, joy, and, most importantly, the sweet and gooey outcomes. Could there be a more heartwarming scene?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Bakewell Cookies are not just delicious; they’re a joy to make. With a simple prep process and minimal ingredients, it won’t take long before you have those mouthwatering cookies ready to serve.

The benefits are endless:

Quick Preparation: Most of the waiting is for the dough to chill, and you can tackle other tasks in the meantime.
Crowd-Pleaser: With the combination of almond and cherry flavors, they’ll be a hit with family and friends alike.
Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday kitchen staples, making it easy and accessible.
Nostalgic Flavors: These cookies tap into childhood memories, making them perfect for nostalgic moments.

Ingredients

2 cups blanched almond flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 tsp almond extract
1/4 cup cherry jam
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
4 tsp whole milk

Imagine the crunch of almond flour, the buttery creaminess of softened butter, and the sweet nostalgia of cherry jam coming together to create a symphony in your mouth. These ingredients are not just items on a list; they’re the stars of a dessert that brings comfort, warmth, and delight.

Timing

The beauty of these Cherry Bakewell Cookies lies in their balance of fast and indulgent. You can whip up the dough in a flash and let it chill while you catch up on your favorite series or simply enjoy a relaxing moment. The baking time is short, leaving you with perfect cookies that boast an alluring golden-brown finish in just 12-14 minutes.

However, if you’re looking to savor every moment, let the dough rest longer. The subtle flavors will benefit from a longer chill, creating an even more decadent experience.

Step-by-Step

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups of blanched almond flour, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt until combined. In a large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 2 ounces of softened cream cheese until the mixture is pale and fluffy. The sweet scent will entice you like a warm embrace, inviting you to indulge. Now, add in 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons of aromatic almond extract, mixing well. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until fully combined. Chill the dough in the fridge for 2 hours; this is when the magic begins.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes. Crisp edges come from a cool start — it’s the little details that make a big difference!

Step 3

Using your hands, portion the dough into 24 uniform balls. Create a delightful well in each ball and fill it generously with the luscious cherry jam. Encapsulate each ball with sliced almonds, their crunch adding texture and visual appeal. Arrange them beautifully on your prepared baking sheets, ready for baking.

Step 4

Bake for 12-14 minutes until the cookies are golden brown and your kitchen smells like a fairytale. Let them cool on the sheets; your patience will be rewarded with perfect cookie beauty.

For Icing

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 4 teaspoons of whole milk until smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Drizzle the icing over your cooled cookies in a mesmerizing pattern, creating a final touch that is both delicious and visually captivating.

Nutritional Information

Each Cherry Bakewell Cookie has approximately 150 calories. While it’s tempting to indulge, remember that balance is key. Enjoying these delightful bites occasionally will satisfy your sweet cravings without derailing your health goals.

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to lighten their treat, consider making the following swaps:

Low-Sugar: Substitute powdered sugar with a low-calorie sweetener or a natural alternative like agave syrup.
Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese for a non-dairy cream cheese or coconut yogurt, and use dairy-free butter alternatives.

By exploring these alternatives, you can still enjoy the delicious taste while catering to various dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Bakewell Cookies shine in any setting. They’re perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with extra cherry jam for an indulgent dessert. Consider serving them at holiday celebrations or alongside afternoon tea. Enhance the sensory experience by pairing these cookies with fresh coffee or fragrant herbal teas.

Common Mistakes

Avoid the pitfalls of overbaking — keep an eye on those golden edges as they bake to prevent becoming too hard. Be aware of texture issues caused by improperly measuring ingredients—too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can yield a gooey mess. Ensure your baking sheets are lined, as keeping the cookies from sticking will save you from kitchen chaos!

Storing Tips

If you find yourself with extra cookies (doubtful, but just in case!), let them cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. These cookies will last up to a week! For longer preservation, freeze the cookie dough balls before baking them, then simply bake as needed. They’re delightful straight from the oven!

Tempting readers to bake it ASAP

How could you resist? The enchanting aromas, the enticing flavors, and the warmth of freshly baked Cherry Bakewell Cookies are calling to you. Don’t wait another moment to bring this delightful recipe into your kitchen; grab those ingredients and dive into the pleasure of baking. They promise to deliver smiles, joy, and a delicious connection to cozy moments spent with loved ones.

FAQs

1. Can I use almond extract instead of almond flour?

Almond extract adds flavor but won’t replace the texture needed from almond flour. Stick with both for the best results!

2. Is it essential to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and improves the texture. It’s worth the wait for the final product!

3. Can I substitute the cherry jam with another flavor?

Absolutely! Raspberry, apricot, or even strawberry jam can give a unique twist to these cookies.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for a light golden color around the edges and a firm look. They’ll continue baking slightly once removed from the oven.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Take a moment to feel the excitement building for your Cherry Bakewell Cookies adventure. Embrace the process, enjoy the indulgence, and share the love — you won’t regret it!