Cherry Bonbon Cookies

These Cherry Bonbon Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with a creamy, buttery cookie. Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply as a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family. With their charming appearance and delicious flavor, they stand out among traditional desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Minimal steps ensure you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Delicious Surprise: Each bite reveals a juicy maraschino cherry, adding a fun twist.
• Versatile Decoration: Customize with different candy coatings or sprinkles for any occasion.
• Perfect for Celebrations: These cookies add a festive touch to holiday baking or special events.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and enjoy with the whole family!

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort while creaming butter and sugar for the perfect texture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring easy removal.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

These sweet little candy-coated cookies have a delicious surprise inside – maraschino cherries!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup butter (softened – do not use margarine for this recipe!)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• pinch of salt

For the Filling and Coating

• 1 jar (about 23-24 maraschino cherries)
• white chocolate or vanilla candy melt/candy coating OR cherry frosting in a can

How to Make Cherry Bonbon Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Milk and Vanilla

Add in the milk and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture into your creamy butter mixture until well incorporated.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Take about a tablespoon of dough in your palms. Flatten it slightly, place a cherry in the center, then roll it back into a ball around the cherry. Ensure it’s evenly shaped.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place each cookie ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-22 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 7: Cool on Wire Racks

After baking, let your cookies cool on wire racks completely before moving on to coating.

Step 8: Prepare Candy Coating

For your candy coating, melt white chocolate or candy melts according to package instructions. For every cup of melted candy coating, mix in 4-6 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice.

Step 9: Dip Cookies in Coating

Dip the tops of each bonbon cookie into the melted candy coating. Shake off any excess before placing them back on the wire rack.

Step 10: Decorate with Sprinkles

Immediately sprinkle your choice of decorations on top of each dipped cookie while still wet.

Step 11: Let Set and Enjoy!

Allow the candy coating to harden completely before indulging in your delicious Cherry Bonbon Cookies! Enjoy!

How to Serve Cherry Bonbon Cookies

Cherry Bonbon Cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten up any gathering. These sweet cookies with a hidden cherry center are great for sharing, and they can be served in various fun ways.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your Cherry Bonbon Cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their sweetness.

As Party Favors

• Place each cookie in a small decorative bag and use them as party favors for birthdays or holiday gatherings.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other treats to create an inviting presentation for guests.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm Cherry Bonbon Cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea to complement their sweet flavors during afternoon snacks or brunch.

How to Perfect Cherry Bonbon Cookies

To achieve the best Cherry Bonbon Cookies, follow these helpful tips. Each step can make a difference in taste and texture.

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter creams well with sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy mixture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the cookies’ tender texture.
• Chill the dough if needed: If it’s too soft to handle, chilling it briefly can make it easier to shape around the cherries.
• Use quality maraschino cherries: Choose cherries without artificial colors for better flavor and quality.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking; they should be lightly browned but not overcooked.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Bonbon Cookies

Cherry Bonbon Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some tasty suggestions:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda to create a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
3. Mini Muffins
   Serve assorted mini muffins (like blueberry or banana) for an appealing variety alongside the cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue
   A chocolate fondue station allows guests to dip fresh fruits and even cookie pieces for extra indulgence.
5. Nut Mix
   Offer a bowl of mixed nuts to provide a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with soft cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that complements your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Bonbon Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final product.

• Using margarine instead of butter – Margarine can alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. Always use softened butter for best results.
• Overbaking the cookies – To achieve that perfect softness, avoid leaving them in the oven too long. Keep a close eye on them as they bake.
• Not chilling the dough – Chilling the dough before baking can help maintain their shape. If you notice your cookies flattening, try chilling them for about 30 minutes.
• Skipping the candy coating step – The candy coating adds a fun and delicious layer to your Cherry Bonbon Cookies. Don’t skip this step for maximum enjoyment!
• Using too much cherry juice – Adding too much cherry juice to your candy coating can make it runny. Stick to 4-6 tablespoons per cup of coating for consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Bonbon Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Bonbon Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Bonbon Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cherry Bonbon Cookies that might help clarify your baking process.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries in Cherry Bonbon Cookies?

Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to pit and chop them first. Maraschino cherries provide sweetness and moisture that’s hard to replicate.

How do I make Cherry Bonbon Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

What are some variations I can try with Cherry Bonbon Cookies?

You can experiment by adding different flavored extracts or using colored candy melts for a festive touch.

How long do Cherry Bonbon Cookies last?

When stored properly, they last about 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I decorate my Cherry Bonbon Cookies differently?

Absolutely! Feel free to use different sprinkles, edible glitter, or even drizzle with chocolate for added flair.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Bonbon Cookies are not only tasty but also versatile. You can customize them with different flavors or toppings to suit any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, give these delightful cookies a try!