Name: Elegant Cherry Blossom Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Modern European
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pure almond extract; ½ cup good quality cherry jam

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The scent of almond extract always brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, especially around the holidays. Her hands, dusted with flour, would expertly roll out dough while telling stories of her youth. It was a place of warmth, laughter, and the most incredible baked goods, including these delicate **elegant cherry blossom Christmas cookies**.

These cookies aren’t just a treat; they are a memory, a moment of simple perfection. Their subtle almond flavor and bright cherry center remind me of finding a surprising burst of color in a winter garden, much like the unexpected beauty of a cherry blossom in the snow. If you cherish those moments, you’ll love how these cookies bring that feeling home, just like our beloved almond cherry cookie recipe.

I remember one Christmas Eve, the power flickered out, and we finished baking by candlelight. The soft glow illuminated the glistening jam centers of these cookies, making them feel even more magical. Each bite was a sweet, buttery whisper, a comforting hug in cookie form.

That memory is exactly what I hope you find when you bake your own batch of these beautiful sweets. They are truly special, creating new traditions and revisiting cherished ones with every delicious morsel.

Why you’ll love this Elegant Cherry Blossom Christmas Cookies

They are incredibly tender and buttery, melting in your mouth with every bite. The shortbread base is perfectly rich and delicate.
The vibrant cherry jam offers a beautiful contrast in both color and flavor, adding a delightful fruity tang to the subtle almond notes.
These **elegant cherry blossom Christmas cookies** are surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for any baker.
Their stunning appearance, reminiscent of winter blossoms, makes them a showstopper for any holiday platter or cookie exchange.
They store wonderfully, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy festive seasons or a thoughtful homemade gift.
The almond extract infuses the cookies with a sophisticated, comforting aroma that fills your home with holiday cheer.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
½ cup good quality cherry jam

Directions

Step 1

Cherry blossom christmas cookies makes every moment feel satisfying. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 2

Beat in the pure almond extract and salt until they are just combined into the butter mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together and no dry streaks of flour remain. It’s crucial not to overmix the dough at this stage.

Step 3

Gather the dough into a ball, then gently flatten it slightly into a disc shape. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is essential to help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round or flower-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookie shapes.

Step 5

Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Using your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon, create a shallow indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with about ¼ teaspoon of your good quality cherry jam.

Step 6

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and they appear set. You will notice the jam bubbling slightly in the center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7

Once the cookies are completely cooled, lightly dust your **elegant cherry blossom Christmas cookies** with additional powdered sugar. This creates a beautiful, snowy, and delicate finish, enhancing their festive appeal. Serve immediately or store them for later enjoyment.

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

Experiment with different jams to create a variety of flavors. Raspberry or apricot jam would be equally delicious, offering a different color and fruit profile. You could even use a citrus curd for a brighter, tarter cookie.

For an extra festive touch, consider adding a pinch of ground cardamom or a tiny amount of rosewater to the dough alongside the almond extract. These spices complement the cherry flavor beautifully and add an exotic aroma.

If you prefer a chocolate twist, dip half of the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate before the powdered sugar dusting. The white chocolate hardens to create a beautiful contrasting layer and adds another layer of sweetness.

To make them truly sparkle, mix edible glitter into your dusting powdered sugar. This simple addition elevates their appearance, making them even more enchanting on a holiday dessert table.

Pairings

These delicate cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, especially a fragrant black tea or a calming herbal blend. The subtle sweetness and almond notes are a perfect complement to a comforting hot beverage.

For a more decadent pairing, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy textures and cool temperatures will beautifully contrast with the tender cookies and sweet jam.

They also make a delightful accompaniment to a simple fruit platter, especially with fresh berries or sliced peaches. The natural sweetness of the fruit enhances the jam’s flavor and adds a refreshing element.

Consider serving these cookies as part of a larger dessert spread. They would be fantastic next to a rich, layered dessert like this festive Black forest trifle Christmas, providing a lighter, buttery counterpoint.

Serving ideas

Arrange the cookies artfully on a festive platter, perhaps on a bed of fresh evergreen sprigs or edible silver pearls. The contrast of the white powdered sugar against the red jam is truly striking.

For individual servings, place one or two cookies on a small dessert plate with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves. This adds a pop of green and a fresh aroma, elevating the presentation.

These cookies are perfect for gifting. Stack them gently in a decorative tin or a small box lined with parchment paper, tied with a beautiful ribbon. A homemade gift tag adds a personal touch.

Create a mini cookie bar for your holiday gathering by offering these alongside other seasonal favorites. Label them clearly, allowing guests to appreciate the delicate flavor of the cherry blossom christmas cookies.

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

Once completely cooled, store your elegant cherry blossom Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and delicate texture for up to 5 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

To prevent the powdered sugar from absorbing moisture from the jam, you can dust them just before serving if storing for more than a day. Layer parchment paper between cookie layers in your container for added protection.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Make-ahead

The dough for these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply wrap the disc of dough tightly in plastic wrap. This allows for quick baking when you’re ready.

You can also roll out and cut the cookie shapes, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze them before baking. Once solid, transfer the unbaked cookies to a freezer-safe bag.

When ready to bake from frozen, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is a fantastic way to have fresh, warm cookies ready in no time for unexpected guests.

Common mistakes when making Elegant Cherry Blossom Christmas Cookies

**Overmixing the dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, less tender cookies. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
**Not chilling the dough enough:** Insufficient chilling can cause the cookies to spread excessively in the oven, losing their delicate shape. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
**Using butter that’s too warm or melted:** Butter that is too soft or melted can make the dough greasy and difficult to work with, affecting the final texture. Ensure your butter is softened but still firm.
**Overfilling the jam centers:** Too much jam will bubble over and potentially burn during baking, making a mess and altering the cookie’s appearance. Use just ¼ teaspoon per indentation.
**Baking for too long:** Overbaked shortbread can become dry and crumbly. Watch for lightly golden edges as your cue to remove them from the oven for perfectly tender results.

Final notes

These **elegant cherry blossom Christmas cookies** are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to create beautiful moments and delicious memories. Their simple elegance and heartwarming flavor are sure to bring joy to your holiday table and beyond.

Don’t be afraid to make them your own. Whether you stick to the classic cherry and almond or venture into new jam flavors, the core of these cookies – a tender, buttery embrace – remains.

So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and let the magic of baking these delicate treats fill your kitchen. Every bite is a celebration of simple pleasures and cherished traditions.

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