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Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies soft and tender. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to make this easier.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in tougher cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries and Optional Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped cherries and, if using, the chocolate chips. The cherries should be distributed evenly throughout the dough, but be careful not to crush them too much. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers for a more even baking surface.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they firm up without losing their softness.
Step 9: Optional Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness and citrusy flavor, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a glossy, flavorful finish. This is completely optional, but it adds a beautiful, refreshing lemony flavor that complements the cookies.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cherry Cookies
- Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Fresh cherries provide the best flavor, but if cherries are out of season, frozen cherries will work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them before chopping and draining any excess liquid to avoid soggy cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for soft, tender results.
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading too much. This step is optional, but it can improve the texture of the final cookie.
- Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips (either white or dark) is a great option if you want to balance the tartness of the cherries with a bit of extra sweetness.
Why These Lemon Cherry Cookies Are a Must-Try
These Delicious Lemon Cherry Cookies are a fantastic combination of two beloved flavors, making them a hit for anyone who loves fruit-forward desserts. The zesty lemon and the juicy cherries offer a refreshing twist on the classic cookie, and the added touch of the optional glaze elevates them to something special. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a picnic, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies will bring a burst of fresh flavor to any occasion.
The soft, chewy texture, coupled with the burst of lemon and cherry in every bite, makes these cookies incredibly satisfying. With their beautiful colors and irresistible taste, they’re a perfect treat for any time of year—though they’ll definitely remind you of sunny spring and summer days. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delightful batch of cookies that will brighten your day with every bite!
