Soft Cherry Cardamom Bliss Cookies
Indulge in these irresistibly soft and flavorful cookies that blend the sweet tartness of maraschino cherries with the aromatic warmth of cardamom. Perfect for festive occasions or cozy get-togethers, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Last Christmas, I made 8 dozen of these delightful treats for a cookie exchange, and they disappeared in moments! Cream cheese adds a delightful richness, making each bite a little slice of heaven. For an extra cherry punch, press a few more dried cherries into the tops before baking. Enjoy the festive cheer in every bite throughout the holiday season and beyond!
36
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Maraschino cherries
1 (6 ounce) jar (Drained and chopped)
Flour
2 tablespoons (For tossing with cherries)
Butter or margarine
1/2 cup (Softened)
Granulated sugar
1 cup
Cream cheese
1 (3 ounce) package
Egg
1
Buttermilk
2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Flour
2 1/3 cups
Ground cardamom
1 teaspoon
Baking powder
1 teaspoon
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
Powdered sugar
as desired (For dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small bowl, toss the chopped maraschino cherries with 2 tablespoons of flour. This will help to keep the cherries from sinking in the cookie dough as they bake. Set the mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter (or margarine), granulated sugar, and cream cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Add in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, beating well until fully incorporated.
5
On low speed, gradually mix in 2 1/3 cups of flour, ground cardamom, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix just until the flour is moistened. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Gently fold in the floured cherries, allowing the dough to take on a soft pink hue.
7
Using your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them approximately 1.5 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are a light golden color.
9
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few moments before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Soft Cherry Cardamom Bliss Cookies?
These are irresistibly soft cookies that blend the sweet tartness of maraschino cherries with the aromatic warmth of cardamom.
What ingredients give these cookies their richness?
The addition of cream cheese and softened butter provides a delightful richness to the cookie dough.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The cookies should be baked in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prevent the cherries from sinking in the dough?
Toss the chopped maraschino cherries with 2 tablespoons of flour before adding them to the dough to keep them from sinking.
What size should the cookie dough balls be?
The dough should be shaped into 1-inch balls.
How far apart should I place the cookies on the baking sheet?
Place the dough balls approximately 1.5 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
How long should these cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for about 12 to 14 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the bottoms reach a light golden color.
Should I use a greased or ungreased cookie sheet?
The recipe specifies using an ungreased cookie sheet.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either softened butter or margarine for this recipe.
What type of cherries are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a 6-ounce jar of maraschino cherries, drained and chopped.
How can I add an extra punch of cherry flavor?
You can press a few more dried cherries into the tops of the cookies before baking.
What provides the aromatic flavor in these cookies?
One teaspoon of ground cardamom provides the aromatic warmth in these treats.
When should I add the buttermilk?
The buttermilk should be added and beaten in along with the egg and vanilla extract.
What is the correct way to mix in the flour?
Gradually mix in the flour on low speed just until moistened, being careful not to overmix.
What color should the cookie dough be?
After folding in the floured cherries, the dough will take on a soft pink hue.
How should I cool the cookies?
Let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few moments before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I add a topping to these cookies?
Yes, you can dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday events?
Yes, they are perfect for festive occasions, Christmas cookies, and cookie exchanges.
What amount of cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for one 3-ounce package of cream cheese.
How much cardamom is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
What leavening agents are used?
This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Should I use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended to cream the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Is the sugar granulated or powdered?
One cup of granulated sugar is used in the dough, while powdered sugar is optional for dusting.
What should I do with the cherries before chopping?
The maraschino cherries should be drained before being chopped and tossed with flour.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 egg.
How much total flour is used?
The recipe uses a total of 2 1/3 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour.
Can these cookies be made in large batches?
Yes, the description mentions the author previously making 8 dozen for a cookie exchange.