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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. Add Egg and Flavors:
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the Cherries:
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Scoop and Bake:
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will continue to set as they cool.
8. Cool and Dust:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cherry Cookies
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons and ripe cherries. If using frozen cherries, ensure they are thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the cookies.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, feel free to increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons or adjust the tartness with more lemon juice to your taste.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for later baking—just roll it into balls, freeze, and then bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon cherry cookies can be enjoyed on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with various accompaniments:
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Enjoy these cookies with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a perfect summer treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a delightful dessert twist, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream between two cookies.
- Cheese Board: Add these cookies to a cheese board for a sweet contrast to savory cheeses.
Conclusion
Delicious lemon cherry cookies are a bright and flavorful addition to any cookie platter. Their delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in something sweet, this cookie recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Grab your apron and start baking these delightful treats—you won’t be disappointed!