Cherry Bonbon Cookies

These Cherry Bonbon Cookies are delightful little treats that surprise you with a juicy maraschino cherry hidden inside! Perfect for any occasion, these cookies add a festive touch to holiday gatherings, birthdays, or even just a cozy afternoon treat. Their candy-coated exterior and soft interior make them an irresistible choice for cookie lovers of all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Deliciously Unique – The combination of soft cookies and sweet cherries creates a flavor profile that stands out from traditional cookies.
• Versatile for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday party, or just because, these cookies fit right in!
• Fun to Decorate – Get creative with your candy coating and sprinkles for a personalized touch.
• Kid-Friendly – These cookies are perfect for baking with kids, making it a fun family activity!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Cherry Bonbon Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl – A sturdy bowl is essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric mixer – This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugar become light and fluffy.
• Baking sheet – A good quality baking sheet helps ensure even baking of your cookies.

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Ingredients

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

Ingredients:

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.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Milk and Vanilla

Add the milk and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend well until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the salt and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamy mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Form Cookie Balls

Take about a tablespoon of dough in your hands. Flatten it slightly in your palm, place a maraschino cherry in the center, then wrap the dough around it to form a ball. Ensure it’s evenly shaped around the cherry.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Cool

Once baked, let them cool on wire racks completely.

Step 8: Prepare Candy Coating

For candy coating, melt white chocolate or candy melts in small batches. For every cup of melted coating, mix in 4-6 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice until well blended.

Step 9: Dip Cookies

Dip the tops of each bonbon cookie into the melted candy coating.

Step 10: Add Sprinkles

Sprinkle your choice of toppings on top while still wet.

Step 11: Harden

Allow the candy coating to harden before enjoying your Cherry Bonbon Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Bonbon Cookies

Cherry Bonbon Cookies can be a delightful treat for any occasion. Their sweet and fruity flavor makes them perfect for festive gatherings or casual get-togethers. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the cherry flavor in these cookies.

Festive Platter Arrangement

• Cookie Platter: Arrange Cherry Bonbon Cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday cookies for a colorful display.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in cute boxes as gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Add Some Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies for a delightful dessert combo.
• Cherry Sorbet: For an extra cherry twist, cherry sorbet can enhance the fruitiness of the cookies.

How to Perfect Cherry Bonbon Cookies

To make sure your Cherry Bonbon Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your cookies tender.
• Chill Dough if Needed: If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before forming balls.
• Evenly Size Cookie Balls: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookie balls are uniform in size for even baking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; remove when they are lightly browned for the best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Bonbon Cookies

If you want to serve something special alongside your Cherry Bonbon Cookies, consider these tasty side dishes. They will balance out the sweetness and enhance your dessert spread.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich cookies.
2. Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses that can offer savory notes alongside sweet treats.
3. Nut Mix: A medley of roasted nuts can add crunch and a savory element to your dessert table.
4. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with berries and granola for a creamy, crunchy side that complements cookies well.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip fresh fruits or even additional cookies into warm chocolate for a fun interactive dessert experience.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or chocolate to add variety without overwhelming sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Bonbon Cookies, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using margarine instead of butter – Margarine can alter the texture and flavor. Always use softened butter for the best results.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can lead to dense cookies. Blend just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Forgetting to chill the dough – Not chilling can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the parchment paper – Baking directly on sheets can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Bonbon Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Cherry Bonbon Cookies

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat each cookie on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm cookies for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cherry Bonbon Cookies?

Cherry Bonbon Cookies are delightful treats filled with maraschino cherries and covered in candy coating. They’re perfect for any occasion!

Can I use fresh cherries instead?

While fresh cherries could be used, maraschino cherries provide a sweeter flavor and help maintain moisture in the cookies.

How do I customize the candy coating?

You can customize it by adding food coloring or different sprinkles on top of your Cherry Bonbon Cookies.

Are there any substitutions for ingredients?

Yes! You can substitute milk with almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate coatings if desired.

How long do Cherry Bonbon Cookies last?

These cookies last about one week in the refrigerator or up to three months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Bonbon Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat anytime. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or toppings to make them your own!