Cherry Cookies are a delightful and fruity twist on the classic cookie recipe. These cookies feature a soft and buttery base filled with sweet cherry pie filling, making them a perfect treat for anyone with a love for cherries and baked goods. The combination of the tender cookie and the burst of cherry flavor creates a delightful indulgence that is sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or served as a special dessert, these Cherry Cookies are a delightful addition to any cookie collection.

The history of Cherry Cookies traces back to the traditional cherry desserts that have been enjoyed for centuries. Cherries have long been cherished as a sweet and versatile fruit, often used in various desserts, including pies, cakes, and cookies. Cherries have been cultivated and enjoyed in many parts of the world, with various cultures incorporating them into their culinary traditions.

The idea of adding cherry filling to cookie dough creates a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe. The sweet and tangy taste of the cherry pie filling provides a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the soft and buttery cookie base. Over time, cherry cookies have become a popular treat, particularly during cherry harvest seasons and festive occasions.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 21 oz cherry pie filling (1 can)
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 325F degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whip the softened butter and margarine together using a tabletop or hand mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, which should take roughly 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the bowl with the butter, then beat for an additional 30 seconds to incorporate the flavor.
4. Sift together the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar, then add it to the bowl with the butter. Beat on medium speed until the dough begins to clump, then use your hands to finish mixing until a soft, smooth dough is formed.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the parchment-covered baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Using your thumb or the bottom of a tablespoon measuring spoon, gently press in the center of each cookie to form a well. Scoop 2-4 cherries onto each cookie, filling the wells with cherry pie filling.
7. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes until they are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Heat the chocolate chips according to the package instructions, then drizzle the melted chocolate across the cookies. Allow the chocolate to cool completely before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.

These delightful Cherry Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy any time of the year. With their tender cookie base and sweet cherry pie filling, they are sure to bring joy and delight to cookie lovers of all ages. Whether served as an afternoon snack or a dessert at a special occasion, these Cherry Cookies will leave a lasting impression with their delightful flavor and charming appearance.