Cherry Bonbon Cookies

Cherry Bonbon Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cookies with a fruity surprise inside. These cheerful, candy-coated bites are perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. With their vibrant color and rich flavor, Cherry Bonbon Cookies are sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients, making it a breeze for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery cookie dough and juicy cherries creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because, these cookies fit any occasion and can be customized with different toppings.
• Fun to Decorate: Get creative with sprinkles or candy coatings, making each batch unique and visually appealing.
• Kid-Friendly: Both fun to make and eat, kids will love rolling the cookies around the cherries!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Cherry Bonbon Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a light texture.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking; using parchment paper also makes cleanup easy!

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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 light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Milk and Vanilla

Add in the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until well 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: Shape the Cookies

Take about a tablespoon of dough in your palm. Flatten it slightly, place a maraschino cherry in the center, then roll it into a ball. Ensure the cherry is well-enclosed in dough.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 7: Cool Down

Let them cool on wire racks before decorating.

Step 8: Prepare Candy Coating

Melt your chosen candy coating in small batches. For every cup melted, mix in 4-6 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice until well blended.

Step 9: Coat the Cookies

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

Step 10: Add Sprinkles

Sprinkle your choice of toppings on top while still wet.

Step 11: Let Set

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

How to Serve Cherry Bonbon Cookies

These delightful Cherry Bonbon Cookies are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with cold milk for a classic treat. The creaminess of the milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange Cherry Bonbon Cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other festive treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for an impressive dessert display.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Bring these cookies to holiday parties or family gatherings. Their unique look and flavor will surely impress your guests and make them a hit!

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The flavors will blend beautifully, making for a cozy afternoon snack.

Gift-Wrapped

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as homemade gifts. Add a personal touch with handwritten tags for that extra special feel.

How to Perfect Cherry Bonbon Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Bonbon Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better creaming with sugar, which leads to fluffier cookies.

• Chill the dough: If you find the dough too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies.

• Evenly size cookie balls: Use a measuring spoon to scoop out equal amounts of dough, ensuring uniform baking and presentation.

• Don’t skip the cooling: Allow your cookies to cool on wire racks before dipping them in candy coating. This helps maintain their shape.

• Experiment with coatings: Try different candy coatings or sprinkles to customize your Cherry Bonbon Cookies and keep things exciting!

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Bonbon Cookies

Cherry Bonbon Cookies are versatile and pair well with many sides. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a rich contrast to the sweet cherry flavor of the cookies.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances sweetness and provides a colorful addition to your dessert table.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add savory notes that complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

5. Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top or on the side for an extra creamy texture.

6. Coffee Cake: This dense, flavorful cake pairs wonderfully with Cherry Bonbon Cookies, adding variety to your dessert offerings.

7. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats offer another layer of flavor and texture alongside your sugary bonbons.

8. Mini Fruit Tarts: Bright fruit tarts provide a refreshing and vibrant contrast that enhances the overall dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Bonbon Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly measuring ingredients: Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little flour can affect the texture of your cookies.
• Boldly skipping the cooling time: Allow your cookies to cool completely before dipping them in candy coating. This prevents the coating from melting and ensures a nice finish.
• Boldly ignoring dough consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.
• Boldly overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when they are lightly browned for the best flavor and texture.
• Boldly rushing the coating process: When dipping the cookies, do it in small batches to prevent the candy coating from hardening before you’re done.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Cherry Bonbon Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Bonbon Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Bonbon Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes. This helps regain their freshness.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat for a couple of minutes. Covering with a lid will help retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Cherry Bonbon Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Using fresh cherries is possible, but they may change the texture and flavor of your cookies. Maraschino cherries provide sweetness and moisture that enhance the recipe.

How do I make my Cherry Bonbon Cookies more festive?

Consider adding colored sprinkles or festive-themed candy coatings to make your cookies stand out during celebrations!

What if I don’t have white chocolate for coating?

You can substitute with vanilla candy melts or even cherry frosting as an alternative topping for a unique twist.

How long do these cookies last?

Cherry Bonbon Cookies can last up to 5 days in the fridge and around 3 months if frozen correctly.

Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits or fillings inside your cookie dough for a creative take on this recipe!

Final Thoughts

Cherry Bonbon Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various fillings and toppings to suit any occasion. Whether it’s for holidays or just a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Try making them today!