Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup chopped cherries; ½ cup streusel topping (flour, sugar, butter mix); ½ cup cherry glaze

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Cherry Streusel Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, buttery cookies, sweet-tart cherry filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them an ideal treat for holidays, gatherings, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines sweet, tart, and buttery flavors in every bite
Perfect balance of textures: soft cookie base, juicy fruit center, and crunchy streusel topping
Visually appealing and great for gifting or entertaining
Customizable with different fruits or toppings
A fun twist on classic thumbprint cookies with added texture and flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookie base:
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
large egg
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt

For the cherry filling:
fresh or frozen pitted cherries
granulated sugar
cornstarch
lemon juice
almond extract (optional)

For the streusel topping:
all-purpose flour
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
cold unsalted butter, cubed
chopped nuts (optional, such as almonds or pecans)

Directions

Prepare the cherry filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften, about 8–10 minutes. Add almond extract if using. Let cool.
Make the cookie dough:
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
Form the cookies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place on the baking sheet. Press an indentation into the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
Add the cherry filling:
Fill each indentation with about a teaspoon of the cooled cherry filling.
Make the streusel topping:
Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
Top and bake:
Sprinkle streusel over the filled cookies. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes per batch
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or chopped apples in place of cherries
Add citrus zest to the dough for a bright flavor twist
Drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking
Add spice like nutmeg or cardamom for a warm touch

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Once cooled, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4–5 minutes to refresh texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

Yes, canned cherry pie filling is a convenient substitute, though homemade allows for better control of flavor and sweetness.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and cherry filling a day in advance and refrigerate them separately.

3. Should I thaw frozen cherries first?

Yes, thaw and drain them to avoid adding excess moisture to the filling.

4. Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?

Yes, shape the dough balls and freeze them. Add filling and streusel before baking directly from frozen.

5. How do I keep the cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape.

6. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

7. Do I have to add nuts to the streusel?

No, the nuts are optional and can be omitted or replaced with seeds.

8. Can I use almond flour?

Almond flour can be used in the streusel for added flavor, but not recommended for the cookie dough unless adapted.

9. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden and the streusel slightly crisp.

10. Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes, mini chocolate chips can be added to the dough for a cherry-chocolate combination.

Conclusion

Cherry Streusel Cookies are a sophisticated yet approachable dessert, offering a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them with your favorite fruits or toppings and enjoy a delicious twist on a classic favorite.