Cherry Bonbon Cookies
Cherry Bonbon Cookies are delightful treats featuring maraschino cherries embedded in buttery, sweet cookie shells, topped with powdered sugar and cherry glaze—perfect for festive occasions and sweet tooths.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together until creamy.
- Gradually add the plain flour, vanilla, and salt to the mixture, mixing well.
- Shape the dough into 24 balls.
- Press each ball around a drained maraschino cherry, ensuring the cherry is completely covered.
- Place the shaped cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar and drizzle with cherry glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries or dried cranberries for a unique twist. If you find the dough too crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk to help bind it together. Ensure the cherries are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the cookies. Remember to sift your powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Bonbon Cookies make a delightful treat for holiday gatherings or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snacks. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Cary'S Brown Sugar Pie during celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Bonbon Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Bonbon Cookies contains roughly 328 calories, with 2g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cherry?
Absolutely! While maraschino cherries are traditional, you can experiment with fresh cherries or even chocolate-covered cherries for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if using larger or denser cherries.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. You can also dust your hands with a bit of flour while shaping the cookies to prevent sticking.
How can I add more flavor to the cookies?
Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor or incorporating finely chopped nuts, like pecans, into the dough. You could also mix in some lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note, enhancing the sweetness of the cherries.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).