Oh, let me tell you, Cherry Bakewell Cookie Cups are an absolute delight! I first stumbled upon this recipe during a baking session with my best friend, and we were instantly hooked by the combination of buttery cookie, sweet cherry jam, and the rich almond flavor. It reminded us of our childhood visits to the bakery every Sunday when our parents would treat us to those glorious bakewell tarts. We loved them so much, we could hardly wait to recreate this classic dessert in cookie form! Trust me, these little cups are sure to impress at any gathering—or even just for your own sweet cravings at home.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia!
What’s in Cherry Bakewell Cookie Cups?
Let’s break down the delightful ingredients that make these cookie cups so special:
Softened Butter: The base of any great cookie! It adds richness and a lovely tender crumb. I always prefer using unsalted butter so that I can control the saltiness of my treats.
Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix of these two gives the cookies a perfect sweetness and a hint of moisture from the brown sugar, which helps yield that chewy texture we all adore.
Eggs: These little wonders help bind everything together. Plus, they add a lovely richness to the cookie dough!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor. Don’t be shy; use pure vanilla extract for the best results!
All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component of our cookie cups. It’s simple, but it does the job beautifully.
Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the cookie cups rise just a tad and remain soft and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch! It may seem counterintuitive, but salt enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
Ground Almonds: Here’s where the magic happens! They lend that delightful almond essence which is classic in bakewell tarts.
Cherry Jam: Sweet, gooey perfection! This is the star of the show and brings everything together with its fruity goodness.
Icing Sugar: This will help us make the simple yet delicious icing for topping the cookie cups.
Water: Just a smidge to help achieve the right consistency for the icing.
Maraschino Cherries: The festive finishing touch! Nothing says “wow” like a glossy cherry perched atop your cookie cup.
Is Cherry Bakewell Cookie Cups Good for You?
While I wouldn’t call these cookie cups health food, they do have a few redeeming qualities!
Ground Almonds: These beauties provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help keep you feeling satisfied. Plus, they bring a unique flavor that’s hard to resist!
However, it’s important to keep portion sizes in mind since these are sweet treats. A little indulgence goes a long way to brighten up your day! Just remember, it’s about balance. Enjoy these cookie cups alongside a nutritious meal or as part of a special occasion.
Ingredients List
This recipe yields about 12 delicious Cherry Bakewell Cookie Cups:
– 1/2 cup softened butter
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup ground almonds
– 1/2 cup cherry jam
– 1 cup icing sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
– Maraschino cherries for topping
How to Make Cherry Bakewell Cookie Cups?
Let’s get to the exciting part—baking these gems!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your kitchen smelling amazing!
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush, this step is crucial!
3. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Channel your inner baker here; take pride in that mix!
4. In another bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want these cookie cups to be tender!
6. Grease a muffin tin with a little bit of butter or cooking spray. Spoon the cookie dough into each cup, pressing it down and creating a small well in the center.
7. Fill each well with a teaspoon of cherry jam, allowing that sweet goodness to shine!
8. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden and your kitchen smells like a bakery. Ah, pure bliss!
9. Let these cuties cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
The Icing on the Cake (or Cookie Cups!)
1. Mix your icing sugar with a little water to create a smooth icing. You want it to be thick enough to drizzle, but not too runny!
2. Once the cookie cups have completely cooled, drizzle or spread the icing over the top. Finally, crown each with a maraschino cherry.
Enjoy your Cherry Bakewell Cookie Cups warm from the oven or at room temperature! They are the perfect treat to share or to savor all by yourself—no judgment here!
So, there you have it, my delightful friends! I really hope you give this fun recipe a whirl. I promise these little cookie cups will bring a smile to your face just like they did for me. Enjoy, and I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!
