If you have a soft spot for the nostalgic flavors of cherry pie but want something handier and perfectly bite-sized, then you’re going to absolutely love this Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe. These delightful pastries capture the luscious, fruity cherry filling encased in a buttery, tender cookie shell that melts in your mouth. It’s the ideal comfort treat to share with friends, get cozy with a cup of tea, or bring a splash of joy to any gathering. Every bite bursts with bright cherry flavor and just the right sweetness, making it a personal favorite I’m thrilled to share with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance. From the buttery richness of the cold cubed butter to the tart sweetness of cherry preserves, these essentials come together to make every bite irresistible.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your cookies structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Adds just a touch of lift so cookies aren’t dense.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes: Responsible for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping with the right chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and supports softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 2-3 tbsp milk (as needed): Keeps the dough moist and workable without getting sticky.
- 1 cup cherry preserves or jam: The star of the show, giving that luscious cherry pie filling flavor.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional): Thickens the cherry filling so it stays put inside the cookies.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that adds a lovely finishing touch.
- 2 tbsp milk: Mixes with powdered sugar to make a smooth, drizzly glaze.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with extra sweet warmth.
How to Make Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat that cold cubed butter with the granulated sugar until light and airy—this is key for that tender crumb texture. Then add the egg and vanilla, mixing it all until combined. Slowly work in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. If it’s feeling a bit crumbly, add milk a tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together nicely.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is ready, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting period firms the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut without sticking.
Step 3: Make the Cherry Filling
While the dough chills, stir the cherry preserves with cornstarch if you want a thicker filling that won’t ooze too much during baking. This simple mix helps keep the luscious cherry flavor perfectly contained inside your cookies.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface to roughly 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles—half of which will serve as bases, and half as tops. Spoon about a teaspoon of cherry filling on each base circle, then cover it with another dough circle, sealing the edges firmly with a fork. This step locks in all that fruity goodness.
Step 6: Bake
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until their edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack so they firm up just right before glazing.
Step 7: Optional Glaze
Whip together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a sweet glaze that you can drizzle over cooled cookies. This extra step adds a delicate shine and a touch more sweetness to your Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely presentation, sprinkle a few fresh cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glazed cookies. You can even add a mint leaf to brighten up the look and add a subtle contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. Serve alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for an irresistibly cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these Cherry Pie Cookies on a rustic wooden plate for a charming homemade vibe, or package them in decorative boxes for thoughtful gifts. They also make a delightful addition to holiday dessert tables and afternoon tea spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and soft. Avoid stacking them while still warm to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the unbaked assembled cookies on a lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat cookies in a low oven for 5 minutes or so. Avoid microwaving too long, or they might become too soft or lose their tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry preserves?
Absolutely! You can chop fresh cherries and cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to mimic the filling texture. Just allow the mixture to cool before using it in the cookies.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for the filling?
No worries at all. The cornstarch is optional to thicken the filling so it doesn’t run during baking. If you skip it, just be mindful to not overfill the cookies to avoid too much leakage.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to include any recommended xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze is completely optional but highly recommended for a touch of extra sweetness and a beautiful finish. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, they taste fantastic without it too.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe treats stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they might start to dry out or lose some softness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring that warm feeling of homemade cherry pie into a convenient, shareable cookie form. With straightforward ingredients, simple steps, and a result that’s pure joy in every bite, it’s a recipe destined to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Go ahead and treat yourself—and those lucky enough to share them with you—to a batch today!
Print
Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cherry Pie Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery dough filled with sweet cherry preserves and a hint of vanilla. These cookies bring the classic flavors of cherry pie into a perfect handheld treat, with an optional sweet glaze to finish. Ideal for a delightful snack or a charming dessert, these cookies combine a flakey texture with fruity filling for a crowd-pleasing bake.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed)
Filling
- 1 cup cherry preserves or jam
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken the filling)
Glaze (Optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the cold cubed butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut.
- Make the Cherry Filling: In a small bowl, combine the cherry preserves with cornstarch if using, stirring to thicken the filling slightly. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Cookies: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles. Place half of the circles on the baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cherry filling into the center of each circle, then top with another dough circle. Use a fork to press the edges together and seal the cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until their edges just turn golden. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies to add a touch of sweetness and shine.
- Serve: Enjoy these Cherry Pie Cookies as a delightful snack or dessert. Their crisp edges and soft cherry centers make them perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Cornstarch in the cherry filling helps prevent the jam from leaking out and keeps the filling stable during baking.
- If you prefer less sweetness, omit the glaze or reduce the powdered sugar amount.
- Ensure butter is cold for better dough texture and flakiness.
- The dough can be rolled thicker for a softer cookie or thinner for a crisper result, adjust baking time accordingly.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries cooked down as a substitute if cherry preserves are unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
