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Delicious Lemon Cherry Cookies: A Bright & Sweet Treat

If you love desserts that balance bright citrus flavors with fruity sweetness, then these Delicious Lemon Cherry Cookies will quickly become your new favorite treat. Soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with fresh flavors, these cookies offer a wonderful harmony between tangy lemon and juicy cherries. They are easy to make, look gorgeous on a dessert table, and are perfect for sharing during holidays, special occasions, or whenever you crave a cheerful bite of sweetness. 

These cookies aren’t just ordinary cookies. They bring together refreshing lemon zest, aromatic vanilla, and bursts of cherries in every bite. The yellow and red colors make them visually appealing, while their soft texture keeps you reaching for more. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of tea, a glass of milk, or all by themselves, you’ll find that these cookies are delightfully addictive.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet cherries + tangy lemon = pure harmony.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen!
• Soft & Chewy Texture: They stay moist and tender long after baking.
• Show-Stopping Appearance: Beautiful pops of color that make them unforgettable.
• Kid-Approved: A fun treat that both kids and adults adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make approximately 24 cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (well drained)
• Optional: powdered sugar for rolling or dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries well, then chop them into small pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid adding too much moisture to your dough.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
3. Add lemon and vanilla: Mix in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The aroma alone will already be irresistible!
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined.
5. Fold in the cherries: Gently stir in the chopped cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
6. Chill the dough (optional but recommended): Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to make the dough easier to handle and enhance the cookie shape.
7. Form the cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon balls. If desired, roll them lightly in powdered sugar for a soft, bakery-style finish.
8. Bake: Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and slightly golden.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious all on their own, but here are some fun ways to make them extra special:

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar after baking for a elegant finish.
• Dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate for added sweetness.
• Serve them alongside tea, lemonade, or sparkling water during gatherings.
• Add a lemon glaze drizzle for more citrus punch.

Tips for the Best Lemon Cherry Cookies

• Dry the cherries well: Extra moisture can make cookies spread too much and become gummy.
• Don’t skip the zest: It brings powerful flavor that lemon juice alone can’t provide.
• Chill the dough: Helps maintain shape and improves texture.
• Use fresh lemon: Bottled juice lacks the fresh aroma needed for this recipe.
• Adjust color if desired: A tiny drop of yellow food coloring can intensify the lemony look.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe strikes a delicious balance of texture and taste. The butter and sugar create a tender crumb, while the zest brightens the dough with natural citrus oils. Cherries bring pockets of sweet fruitiness and a pop of color that elevates every cookie visually and flavorfully. The baking powder ensures just the right rise — not too flat, not too puffy.

Each bite gives you a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s neither too sweet nor too tangy. It’s a refreshing twist compared to typical chocolate or vanilla cookies and offers a burst of sunshine year-round — perfect for spring holidays, summer picnics, and Valentine’s Day alike.

Final Thoughts

Delicious Lemon Cherry Cookies prove that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that brightens every mood and brings joy to every bite. They store well, look beautiful, and taste just as delightful the next day — if they last that long!

Whether you're baking for family, hosting a celebration, or simply treating yourself, these cookies will shine as a sweet reminder that homemade treats are always worth the time. So roll up your sleeves, grab some lemons and cherries, and enjoy this vibrant cookie creation!

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