If you have a sweet spot for classic desserts with a fun twist, this Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe is going to steal your heart. These delightful thumbprint cookies capture the nostalgic flavors of cherry pie in every tender, buttery bite. With a soft dough that cradles vibrant cherry pie filling, they bring warmth and joy to any cookie tray or afternoon snack. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy get-together, or just because, these cookies have the perfect balance of sweet and tart that makes them utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these Cherry Pie Cookies is a breeze because the ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet every one of them plays a vital role. From the rich butter that creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture, to the bursts of cherry filling lending color and sweetness, each component works in harmony.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy, tender base that makes the cookies moist and rich.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, airy crumb.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Contributes to tenderness and a smooth texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and offers structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that holds everything together.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift without overpowering the texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the flavors.
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling: The star ingredient that brings luscious fruity bursts with every bite.
- Optional ½ cup white chocolate chips or glaze: Adds a creamy sweetness and a beautiful finish if you want to get fancy.
How to Make Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Having everything set up ahead of time makes the baking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter with granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, creating a delicate, tender texture in the finished cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg acts as a binding agent giving the dough structure, while vanilla uplifts the overall flavor with that classic warmth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet batter, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky, perfect for rolling into balls.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation into the center of each cookie. This little well is where the magic happens—fill it generously with 1 to 2 cherries from the pie filling for that iconic burst of flavor.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, watching for the edges to start turning a lovely golden color. Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set beautifully without falling apart.
Step 7: Optional Finishing Touch
For an extra special look and taste, drizzle melted white chocolate or a vanilla glaze over the cooled cookies. This adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the tart cherry filling and makes your Cherry Pie Cookies truly shine.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar add an elegant touch without taking away from the cherry’s vibrant hue. You could also sprinkle finely chopped toasted almonds for a subtle crunch and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
These cookies make a wonderful pairing with vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea or coffee. The warm spices and fruity filling are uplifting companions to these cozy beverages and desserts, perfect for sharing with friends.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange your Cherry Pie Cookies on a festive platter alongside fresh cherries and mint leaves to echo the fruity theme. Or, stack them with wax paper in a decorative box for a delightful homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Cherry Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy days or last-minute guests.
Freezing
To enjoy these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They can keep well for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet snack.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a low oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until pleasantly warmed through without losing their softness. Avoid microwaving to preserve that tender crumb you love.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for the cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they won’t have the same sweet syrupy consistency or spiced flavor as pie filling. You’d want to cook them down with sugar to mimic that mouthwatering cherry pie vibe.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
Can I use other pie fillings instead of cherry?
Absolutely! Blueberry, apple, or even peach pie fillings work wonderfully, offering new ways to enjoy this delightful cookie idea with different fruity flavors.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melting, and chill the dough for about 15 minutes if it feels too soft. This helps maintain the cookie shape and keeps the cherry center intact.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?
Sure thing! Adding finely chopped nuts or white chocolate chips right into the dough (besides the optional drizzle) can add texture and flavor twists that make these cookies even more fun.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a charming, delicious treat that’s bursting with nostalgic cherry pie goodness, this Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe is a total winner. They’re simple, quick, and sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the cookie jar!
Print
Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Pie Cookies are delightful thumbprint cookies filled with sweet cherry pie filling, offering a perfect balance of buttery dough and fruity sweetness. These classic American dessert cookies are easy to make and ideal for holidays or any occasion that calls for a festive, fruit-filled treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling & Optional Toppings
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips or glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate moisture and flavor throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms, making sure not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls and Make Indentations: Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and arrange them spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation into the center of each ball to hold the cherry filling.
- Fill with Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon 1–2 cherries from the cherry pie filling into each indentation, adding just enough to fill without overflow.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set their shape and texture.
- Add Optional Drizzle: Once cooled, optionally drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate or a vanilla glaze for added sweetness and decorative appeal.
Notes
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For variety, try replacing the cherry pie filling with blueberry or apple pie filling to create different flavor profiles.
- Make sure to not overfill the indentations to prevent the filling from spilling over during baking.
