Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Cherry Icebox Cookies! These little gems are the perfect blend of sweet cherries and buttery goodness, and they always remind me of cozy family gatherings. I can still picture my grandma pulling these out of the fridge, the bright red cherries peeking through the golden dough, and the smell wafting through the kitchen. They’re just delightful! What I love about these cookies is how easy they are to make; you whip up the dough, chill it for a bit, and then slice and bake. It’s like magic! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at parties or just enjoying with a cup of tea on a lazy afternoon. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Cherry Icebox Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Cherry Icebox Cookies
Getting these Cherry Icebox Cookies ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up such a delicious treat. Here’s what you need to do:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl. You want to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this can take about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for that delightful texture!
- Once that’s done, pour in the vanilla extract and mix it in well. It adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Next, gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! You want to keep that airy texture.
- Now, fold in those gorgeous chopped dried cherries. I love how they add a pop of color and sweetness!
- Shape the dough into two logs, about 2 inches in diameter, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This is where the magic happens—pop those logs into the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps them hold their shape during baking.
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a key step, as the right temperature is essential for that perfect cookie texture.
- Take the chilled dough out of the fridge and slice it into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to spread.
- Bake them for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Finally, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little wait is so worth it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cherry Icebox Cookies turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips up my sleeve! First off, if you can, chill the dough overnight instead of just two hours. You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor that develops—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Also, don’t hesitate to get creative with the dried fruits! While I adore the sweet tartness of cherries, you can easily swap in dried cranberries, apricots, or even raisins if you’re feeling adventurous. Each fruit brings its unique personality to the cookie!
When it comes to storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re just too delicious! If you want to freeze them, you can do that too. Just make sure to wrap them tightly so they don’t get freezer burn. Pop them in the fridge overnight to thaw, and you’re good to go!
Nutritional Information for Cherry Icebox Cookies
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Each Cherry Icebox Cookie is around 120 calories, making them a delightful treat without too much guilt!
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These cookies are vegetarian-friendly, so they make a great treat for just about everyone! Enjoy indulging in these sweet bites while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ About Cherry Icebox Cookies
How to store Cherry Icebox Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week, but I bet they’ll be gone before then!
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
While you can use fresh cherries, they have a high moisture content, which might affect the texture of your cookies. If you’re set on using fresh ones, make sure to chop them finely and reduce other liquid ingredients slightly.
Can I freeze Cherry Icebox Cookies?
Absolutely! Once baked, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for about two months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a tasty treat!
What if my dough is too soft?
If your cookie dough feels too soft to shape into logs, just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up, and then you can roll it into logs with ease!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an added crunch or richness. Just keep the total volume of add-ins balanced with the rest of the ingredients for the best texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So easy to make—whip up the dough, chill, slice, and bake!
- Delightful flavor with a perfect balance of sweet cherries and buttery goodness.
- Great for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy evenings at home.
- Versatile recipe—experiment with different dried fruits or mix-ins.
- Perfectly sliceable, making them a fun treat to share or serve at parties.
- They keep well, so you can enjoy them for days or freeze for later!
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Icebox Cookies
These Cherry Icebox Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a few simple accompaniments can elevate your treat experience! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The buttery flavor of the cookies complements the rich notes of your favorite brew perfectly.
- Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of cold milk. It’s a nostalgic pairing that brings out the sweetness of the cherries!
- Fruit Salad: Serve these cookies alongside a refreshing fruit salad. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine and adds a fresh twist!
- Ice Cream: For a special treat, crumble some cookies over a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream. It’s like a sundae with a twist!
- Cheese Plate: Pair these cookies with a selection of soft cheeses for a unique dessert platter. The sweetness of the cookies balances beautifully with the creamy cheese.
These pairings are not just delicious; they also make for a lovely presentation if you’re entertaining guests. Trust me, your dessert table will be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Cherry Icebox Cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long—they’re just too yummy! If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for about two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat, as they taste great chilled! But if you prefer them warm, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked goodness and make your kitchen smell fantastic!
Print
Cherry Icebox Cookies: 7 Sweet Reasons to Bake Now
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Icebox Cookies are a delightful treat that combines sweet cherries with a buttery cookie dough. They are chilled and sliced, making them easy to prepare and serve.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped cherries.
- Shape the dough into logs and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the chilled dough into rounds.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a variation, use other dried fruits.
- Chill the dough overnight for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cherry Icebox Cookies