Description
Sweet cherry blossom cookies dance with delicate Japanese-inspired elegance, blending subtle almond notes and gentle pink hues. Pastel petals and subtle flavors invite cookie enthusiasts to savor a charming culinary moment you’ll treasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration and Flavor:
- 1/4 cup dried cherry blossoms (sakura)
- 2 tbsp cherry blossom extract
- 1/3 cup pink food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 tbsp edible pearl dust (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly sift flour, powdered sugar, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry base for the delicate cookies.
- Cream softened butter until smooth and pale, then gently incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, blending carefully to form a cohesive dough without overmixing.
- Crush dried cherry blossoms into fine fragments and fold them into the dough, distributing the delicate floral notes evenly.
- Incorporate cherry blossom extract and optional pink food coloring, kneading gently to achieve a uniform soft pink hue.
- Wrap the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm and enhance flavor development.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough into small spheres, then roll each cookie in granulated sugar for a sparkling exterior.
- Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn delicately golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
- Optional: Dust cookies with edible pearl dust for an ethereal, shimmering finish that captures the essence of cherry blossoms.
Notes
- Sift dry ingredients meticulously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
- Room temperature butter creates a smoother, fluffier base that blends more easily with other ingredients, resulting in a more delicate cookie.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour, maintaining the delicate flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to preserve moisture and prevent them from becoming too crisp, keeping their soft, delicate texture intact.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 179
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg