Cherry Christmas Cookies
Cheery, buttery cookies with a sweet cherry filling, topped with a simple glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings and festive occasions, appealing to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter and cream cheese together.
- Mix in the flour until a dough forms, kneading with hands like bread dough.
- Refrigerate the dough for 1 to 3 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll the chilled dough into walnut-sized balls.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Press your thumb into the center of each ball to make an indentation.
- Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling into each indentation.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool.
- Make white frosting with milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Drizzle the frosting over the cooled cookies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and high-quality cream cheese. If you're short on time, you can skip refrigerating the dough, but chilling helps the cookies hold their shape better. If cherry pie filling isn't available, substitute with homemade cherry compote or another fruit filling. For a fun twist, add a pinch of almond extract to the dough for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Christmas Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For an indulgent treat, serve them alongside Chocolatey Velvet Ice Cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also make a charming addition to cookie platters or gift boxes during the festive season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in a low oven until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Christmas Cookies contains roughly 316 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value).
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 different fruit fillings for these cookies?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cherry pie filling, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like raspberry, blueberry, or even lemon curd. Each variation will bring a unique flavor to the cookies, making them versatile for different occasions.
Why do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Refrigerating the dough allows the butter to firm up, which helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. This step also enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together. If you skip this step, the cookies may spread more than desired, resulting in a different texture.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
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).