These delightful Cherry Bonbon Cookies offer a sweet, chewy, and effortlessly baked treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is incredibly useful for anyone looking to whip up a batch of homemade cookies that are both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying, bringing a touch of festive charm to your kitchen without the fuss.
Key Ingredients for Cherry Bonbon Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for added sweetness)
- Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles, for decorating
How to Make Cherry Bonbon Cookies
Whip up these Cherry Bonbon Cookies in no time for a treat that’s bursting with flavor and a delightful chewiness. The simple creaming method and mix-ins make them incredibly easy to prepare, guaranteeing a satisfying aroma and taste that will have everyone reaching for more. With just 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of baking, these cookies are perfect for a quick dessert or a festive baking session.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture. You can use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk for this.
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to consistent cookie results.
Gradually add dry to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookies.
Fold in the cherries and white chocolate chips: Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips (if using). The cherries will add a lovely moistness and bright flavor, while the white chocolate adds pockets of creamy sweetness.
Portion the cookie dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
Decorate the cookies: Before baking, gently flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand. Then, sprinkle the tops generously with red and green sanding sugar or your favorite festive sprinkles. This step is where the “bonbon” part comes to life, adding a beautiful shimmer and a touch of sweetness to the finished cookie.
Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes.
Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This allows them to set properly. Once cooled, your delicious Cherry Bonbon Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Bonbon Cookies
These Cherry Bonbon Cookies are an absolute delight, boasting a wonderful balance of sweet, slightly tart cherry flavor enveloped in a tender, chewy cookie base. The vibrant red of the maraschino cherries combined with festive sprinkles creates a visually stunning cookie that’s reminiscent of jewel-like candies, making them a standout treat at any gathering. Unlike many other cookies, the preparation is straightforward, allowing you to create a batch of these charming goodies without extensive baking experience or a long list of exotic ingredients, saving you money compared to store-bought confections.
The burst of fruity sweetness from the chopped maraschino cherries is truly the star, offering a delightful surprise in every bite, and if you love the festive charm of shortbread but crave a chewier texture, these cookies are for you! They’re also incredibly versatile; you can easily swap out the white chocolate chips for other favorites or adjust the sprinkles to match any holiday. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to the homemade joy of these Cherry Bonbon Cookies – they’re a simple way to spread cheer and satisfy those sweet cravings!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your delicious Cherry Bonbon Cookies fresh and delightful, storing them properly is key. Once completely cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is truly airtight to prevent them from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors. If you find yourself with an abundance of these delightful treats or want to save some for later, freezing is an excellent option.
For freezing, individually wrap each cooled cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. Cherry Bonbon Cookies can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove a cookie from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. They will retain their wonderful texture and flavor, tasting almost as fresh as the day they were baked. Reheating is generally not necessary due to their deliciousness at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
These Cherry Bonbon Cookies are a truly wonderful way to add a touch of homemade magic to your day. Their simple preparation and delightful flavor make them an irresistible treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Cherry Bonbon Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture. You can use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk for this.1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated.1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to consistent cookie results.2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookies.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips (if using). The cherries will add a lovely moistness and bright flavor, while the white chocolate adds pockets of creamy sweetness.1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Before baking, gently flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand. Then, sprinkle the tops generously with red and green sanding sugar or your favorite festive sprinkles. This step is where the “bonbon” part comes to life, adding a beautiful shimmer and a touch of sweetness to the finished cookie.Red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This allows them to set properly. Once cooled, your delicious Cherry Bonbon Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!