Welcome to our guide on making authentic Italian cherry cookies! If you love homemade cherry cookies and classic Italian treats, you’re in the right place. This recipe is simple and perfect for your kitchen, guiding you to bake these tasty cookies.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to make authentic Italian cherry cookies at home
- Enjoy a classic Italian dessert that is loved by cookie enthusiasts
- Discover the perfect balance of flavors with cherries and almond
- Try different variations to personalize the recipe to your preference
- Follow our helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly
Ingredients for Italian Cherry Cookies Recipe
To make Italian cherry cookies, get these ingredients:
- Unsalted dairy-free margarine or butter
- Shortening
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Almond emulsion or extract
- Vanilla extract
- Almond milk or regular milk
- Maraschino cherry juice
- Maraschino cherries
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
These are key for traditional Italian cookies. They bring unique flavors and textures.
Instructions for Making Italian Cherry Cookies Recipe
To make great Italian cherry cookies recipe, start by mixing margarine and shortening. Beat the mix well. Then, add sugar, eggs, extracts, milk, and cherry juice. Mix everything. Slowly add the dry ingredients. Chill this dough overnight. Then make small balls and bake them.
Once the cookies cool, dip them in cherry glaze. Let them dry. Keep them in an airtight container for better flavor.
Tasty Italian Cherry Cookies Recipe
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Margarine or butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Shortening | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Almond emulsion or extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Almond milk or regular milk | 1/2 cup |
| Maraschino cherry juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Maraschino cherries, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cherry glaze (optional) | – |
Start by combining margarine and shortening. Beat until creamy. Then, cream in sugar. Add eggs, beating after each one. Then, mix in extracts.
Include milk and cherry juice. Blend until smooth. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add these dry ingredients slowly to the wet mix. Stop when just mixed.
Add the cherries. The dough will be thick. Cover and chill overnight.
Next day, preheat to 350°F and line a sheet with parchment. Shape dough into balls and set 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden at edges. Let them cool so they firm up.
After cooling, glaze the cookies with a cherry finish. Let dry if you prefer. Store in a container.
Variations of Italian Cherry Cookies Recipes
The traditional Italian cherry cookies recipe is great. Yet, you can try a few variations to make the classic even better. Adding different flavors and textures lets you make the cookies just how you like them.
Nutty Delight
- Add a crunchy twist to your Italian cherry cookies recipe by incorporating chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, into the dough. The nuts will add a delightful contrast in texture and provide an extra burst of flavor.
Aromatic Infusion
- Try different extracts to boost the almond and vanilla taste. You could use almond extract, vanilla bean paste, or a bit of citrus zest for something new.
Cherry Medley
- Use different cherry types in your cookies. Dried cherries will make your cookies chewy and more flavorful. Glacé cherries will add a sweet touch and look great too.
Adding chopped nuts, experimenting with extracts, or using different types of cherries can elevate your Italian cherry cookies recipe and make them stand out.
| Variation | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Nutty Delight | Chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts) | Add the nuts to the dough before chilling. Continue with the rest of the recipe as usual. |
| Aromatic Infusion | Alternative extracts (almond, vanilla bean paste, citrus zest) | Use your chosen extract(s) for the almond and vanilla flavors in the basic recipe. Then, keep following the steps normally. |
| Cherry Medley | Different types of cherries (dried cherries or glacé cherries) | Switch the maraschino cherries with your favorite type. Make sure to use the right amount to keep the flavors balanced. Proceed with making the cookies as you usually do. |
Trying these tweaks lets you craft a tasty variety of Italian cherry cookies. Whether you go for a nutty kick or a fragrant twist, these changes add a new flair to the old favorite.
Tips for Making Perfect Italian Cherry Cookies Recipe
We’ve gathered some tips to make your cherry cookies perfect. These tips will help you impress everyone with your baking skills. Your cookies will be both delicious and beautiful.
1. Room Temperature Ingredients
It’s key to have all ingredients at room temperature, especially the eggs, for your Italian cherry cookies recipe. Warm eggs blend easily and make the cookies light. Remember to take your ingredients out of the fridge early to let them warm up.
2. Chill the Dough Overnight
Following the recipe and chilling the dough overnight is a must for amazing cookies. This step lets the flavors mingle well and makes shaping the cookies easier. It’s how you get that perfect cherry cookie texture and taste.
3. Watch the Baking Time
Keep an eye on your cherry cookies in the oven to avoid them getting too crispy. Take them out as soon as the bottoms turn light golden. They’ll finish setting as they cool, staying soft and tasty.
4. Experiment with Flavors and Textures
The usual cherry cookies are great, but you can mix it up with different nuts or extracts. Add almonds or walnuts for a crunch. Or try almond or lemon extracts for a new flavor. Have fun and personalize your cookie recipe!
5. Store Properly for Freshness
To keep your cookies fresh, store them right. Put them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to keep them moist. Then, keep the cookies at room temperature. They’re best within a week.
| Tips for Making Perfect Italian Cherry Cookies |
|---|
| 1. Room Temperature Ingredients |
| 2. Chill the Dough Overnight |
| 3. Watch the Baking Time |
| 4. Experiment with Flavors and Textures |
| 5. Store Properly for Freshness |
Serving and Storing Italian Cherry Cookies
Italian cherry cookies need a few days to get really tasty. This time lets the flavors mix well and the cookies turn soft.
Storing them right is key to keeping them fresh. Put them in an airtight container. Adding wax paper between layers stops them from sticking together. This keeps the cookies looking and tasting good.
How long can you enjoy these cookies? They’re good for a whole week after baking. But, they usually disappear fast because they’re so yummy.
These cookies fit any dessert table, making it look fancy. They’re also perfect with coffee or tea, balancing their sweet flavors.
Want to impress your family or friends? Try making these Italian cherry cookies. They’re a mix of cherry delight and perfect homemade cookies.
| Italian Cherry Cookies | Get the Recipe |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-12 minutes |
| Serving Size | Approximately 24 cookies |
| Difficulty | Easy |
History and Cultural Significance of Italian Cherry Cookies
Italian cherry cookies are more than just a tasty snack. They symbolize tradition and joy for Italians. These cookies are a key part of Italy’s culinary history.
“Italian cherry cookies have been enjoyed by generations of Italians during holidays, weddings, and other special occasions.”
The mix of cherries and almonds is a favorite in Italian food. In these cookies, cherries’ sourness and dough’s sweetness mix well. Almond brings a nice nutty taste.
Italian families often have unique ways of making these cookies. This makes them even more special. The recipe can be a family treasure, passed from one generation to the next.
“Italian cherry cookies are not just a dessert; they are a cherished tradition that brings families together.”
These cookies mean a lot to Italians. They show love, tradition, and the happiness of sharing meals. They’re perfect for festivals or with a coffee, keeping the past alive in Italian homes.
Authentic Italian Cherry Cookies Recipe – Bake & Enjoy!
24 cookies
servings30
minutes20
minutes110
kcalIngredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup softened butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pitted cherries, quartered or halved
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy, about two minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat at low speed until almost combined.
- Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until nearly combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough for one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop the dough into golf ball-sized balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are just starting to turn golden around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Enjoy your homemade Italian Cherry Cookies! They’re perfect with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
Conclusion
Now, you have a true Italian cherry cookies recipe to savor Italy at home. These cookies are a favorite Italian sweet, easy to make. They work well for any celebration or just a good treat. Just follow the steps and use the right stuff to bake these delights.
These cookies shine with cherry and almond flavors. They are soft and go great with milk or coffee. Perfect for a quick nibble, dessert, or to gift. Share the joy of baking these Italian classics with those you care about.
Ready to bake? Gather what you need for a delicious batch. Let the scent of baking fill your kitchen. These cookies are great for anyone, whether you bake often or not. Dive into the taste of Italy with these homemade goodies!