There’s a certain joy that comes from transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and these Cherry Pie Cookies are the perfect example. As I stood in my kitchen, a can of cherry pie filling caught my eye, and I couldn’t help but think about the memories associated with fresh baked pies cooling on the window sill. Suddenly, an idea sparked: why not bring that same flavor and nostalgia into a cookie form?
These delightful bites combine rich butteriness with the luscious tartness of cherries, all topped off with a drizzle of sweet white chocolate. You won’t believe how a handful of ingredients can create a treat that’s not only easy to make but also irresistible. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply indulging on a cozy afternoon, these cookies promise to impress even the toughest of critics—your family! So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a new favorite in your home.
Why are Cherry Pie Cookies a must-try?
Luscious Flavor: The sweet, tart cherry filling perfectly complements the buttery cookie base, offering a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
Quick to Make: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are a fantastic go-to for unexpected guests or sweet cravings!
Visually Stunning: The drizzle of white chocolate adds an elegant touch, making them not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will be enraptured by these sweet treats, making them an instant favorite for all ages.
If you’re looking for more delicious dessert ideas, be sure to check out my list of popular cookie recipes for options that everyone will love!
Cherry Pie Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups, forms the perfect cookie base for these delightful treats.
• Powdered sugar – ¾ cup, adds a light sweetness and ensures a tender crumb.
For the Filling
• Cherry pie filling – 1 can (21 ounces), provides a burst of tartness that makes these Cherry Pie Cookies irresistible.
For the Topping
• White chocolate chips – ½ cup, melts beautifully for a smooth drizzle that complements the tart cherries perfectly.
How to Make Cherry Pie Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 325°F, ensuring it’s nice and hot for perfect baking. This temperature will create cookies that are golden and delicious!
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Cream the butter in a stand mixer until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is key to incorporating air for a tender cookie. Add the vanilla extract and mix for another 30 seconds to enhance the flavor.
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Combine the flour and powdered sugar gradually, mixing on medium speed until your dough comes together into a soft mass. You’ll want a rich, smooth texture for your cookies!
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Shape the dough into a large ball using your hands, ensuring it’s well mixed. This hands-on approach adds love into every cookie!
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Roll the dough into balls approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in size. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating an inviting array of cookie goodness.
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Press a gentle well into the center of each dough ball with your thumb. This creates the perfect pocket for the cherry filling to shine!
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Fill each indentation with the cherry pie filling, generously loading each well for that burst of tart flavor. Don’t hold back—the more, the merrier!
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Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are just golden. Let the cookies cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
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Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave—beginning with 30 seconds, stir, then continue in 15-second intervals until it’s silky smooth. This chocolate will add a delightful finish!
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Drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops of the cookies using a piping bag, creating beautiful patterns that invite indulgence.
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Set the cookies aside and allow the chocolate to firm up before serving. This step creates a beautifully glossy finish to your Cherry Pie Cookies.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an extra texture.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cherry Pie Cookies?
Indulging in these sweet treats opens the door to a world of delightful pairings that enhance their irresistible charm.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to the warm cookies, perfectly balancing flavors.
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee elevate the sweetness while adding a sophisticated touch to your dessert experience.
- Chocolate Milk: This nostalgic drink pairs wonderfully, complementing the white chocolate drizzle and making for a fun treat for all ages.
- Fresh Berries: A medley of fresh raspberries or blueberries adds a touch of tart freshness, brightening the overall taste.
- Lemonade: A chilled glass of homemade lemonade offers a zesty contrast that cuts through the sweetness, invigorating the palate.
- Cheese Board: A small selection of soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, with a drizzle of honey can create a lovely sweet-savory balance.
Imagine savoring these delightful cookies with a warm cup of coffee; the luscious flavors blend beautifully, making each bite an experience worth relishing!
Helpful Tricks for Cherry Pie Cookies
Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming; it helps create a fluffy base for your cookies.
Consistent Size: Roll your dough balls evenly for consistent baking. This prevents some cookies from being overdone while others remain underbaked.
Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping. This prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Press Gently: When making the well in the dough balls, press gently but don’t go all the way through. It should hold enough cherry filling without leaking.
White Chocolate Drizzle: For a smooth drizzle, make sure your chocolate is fully melted. Stir vigorously to avoid clumping and achieve that glossy finish on your Cherry Pie Cookies.
Cherry Pie Cookies Variations
Get creative and elevate your cookie experience with these delightful twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a tasty, gluten-free treat.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fruit Swaps: Try using raspberry or blueberry pie filling instead of cherry for a berry twist that’s equally delicious.
- Dairy-Free: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free version everyone can enjoy.
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’ll make your cookies even cozier.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey experience that pairs beautifully with the tart cherries.
- Zesty Touch: A teaspoon of lemon zest in the dough gives a bright flavor pop that enhances the cherry filling beautifully.
- Savory Spin: Mix in a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the finished cookies to balance out the sweetness wonderfully.
With these fun variations, you can make your Cherry Pie Cookies as unique as your taste buds!
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Pie Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. However, the texture may become slightly firmer.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll last up to 3 months!
Reheating: To enjoy your Cherry Pie Cookies warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Pie Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing taste! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla, then wrap the dough tightly in cling film and refrigerate. You can also roll out the dough balls and press indents before refrigerating, just be sure to add the cherry pie filling and toppings right before baking to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the cherry filling, pop them in the oven, and you’ll have warm, homemade cookies to enjoy with minimal effort, just as delicious as if you made them from scratch that day!
Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cherries should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! For these Cherry Pie Cookies, you can use store-bought cherry pie filling, which is super convenient and delicious. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh or frozen cherries can be cooked down with sugar and a bit of lemon juice to make your own filling. Just remember to cool it before using, and adjust the sweetness to your liking!
How long can I store baked Cherry Pie Cookies?
You can store your baked Cherry Pie Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a little longer, pop them in the fridge, where they will maintain their flavor and softness for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the Cherry Pie Cookies?
Definitely! To freeze those delicious Cherry Pie Cookies, first arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for 10-15 seconds to warm them up.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft?
Very! If you find your dough is too soft and hard to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps firm it up and makes it easier to roll into balls without spreading too much during baking. Also, make sure your butter is just softened and not melted, as this can also affect the consistency.
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
Yes, with a few adjustments! If you’re making these Cherry Pie Cookies for someone with allergies, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends available on the market. For dairy-free needs, use vegan butter and omit the white chocolate drizzle or replace it with dairy-free chocolate chips. Always check labels to ensure there are no hidden allergens!
Irresistible Cherry Pie Cookies for Ultimate Sweet Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Cream the butter in a stand mixer until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix for another 30 seconds.
- Combine the flour and powdered sugar gradually, mixing on medium speed until your dough comes together into a soft mass.
- Shape the dough into a large ball using your hands.
- Roll the dough into balls approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in size. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Press a gentle well into the center of each dough ball with your thumb.
- Fill each indentation with the cherry pie filling.
- Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring until silky smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops of the cookies using a piping bag.
- Set the cookies aside and allow the chocolate to firm up before serving.