Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Dreamy Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe: Springtime Magic in Every Bite

Delicate cherry blossom cookies capture the essence of spring’s most enchanting moment.

Soft petals inspire this delightful treat that whispers elegance from your kitchen counter.

Subtle floral notes dance through each carefully crafted bite, promising a sensory adventure.

Baking these delicate morsels connects you to traditional japanese confectionery techniques with a modern twist.

Gentle almond and rose water undertones complement the gentle pink hue of these beautiful cookies.

Light and crisp, they melt on your tongue like a fragrant dream.

You’ll adore how simple ingredients create such an extraordinary culinary experience that celebrates seasonal beauty.

Why Cherry Blossom Cookies Look Pretty And Taste Even Better

  • Capture Delicate Floral Elegance: Cherry blossom extract and dried cherry blossoms transform ordinary cookies into a sophisticated, aromatic treat that transports you to a blooming Japanese garden.
  • Master Simple Baking Techniques: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic mixing and rolling skills, making it an approachable way to create stunning, delicate cookies.
  • Create Instagram-Worthy Desserts: The soft pink color, optional pearl dust, and unique cherry blossom flavor make these cookies a stunning addition to tea parties, bridal showers, or elegant gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap food coloring, adjust sugar coating, or experiment with pearl dust to personalize these delightful cookies and match any theme or occasion.

What You’ll Need For Cherry Blossom Cookies

Core Ingredients:
  • Flour: The fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the delicate cookies.
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that ensures softness and adds a luxurious flavor to the cookies.
  • Egg: A binding agent that helps hold the cookie dough together and contributes to a tender crumb.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that adds depth and warmth to the cookie's taste profile.
  • Dried Cherry Blossoms: A unique ingredient that introduces a subtle, floral note to the cookies.
  • Cherry Blossom Extract: Intensifies the delicate floral essence of the cookies.
  • Pink Food Coloring: Creates a soft, pastel pink hue that complements the cherry blossom theme.
Finishing and Coating Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Helps create a smooth, fine texture in the cookie base.
  • Granulated Sugar, Edible Pearl Dust: Provide a sweet coating and elegant, shimmering finish to the cookies.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

How To Bake Cherry Blossom Cookies Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for a smooth cookie-making adventure.

Step 2: Create Dry Magic

Grab a medium bowl and sift together:
  • Flour
  • Powdered sugar
  • Salt

Ensure the mixture looks silky and free of pesky lumps.

Step 3: Whip The Butter

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until everything looks perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, creating a soft and tender dough.

Step 6: Add Floral Touches

Crumble dried cherry blossoms and blend them into the dough along with cherry blossom extract for a delicate, fragrant twist.

Step 7: Create Blush Color

Knead in pink food coloring, distributing it evenly to achieve a soft pastel pink hue.

Step 8: Chill The Dough

Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and firm up the texture.

Step 9: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the chilled dough into small, uniform balls about 1-inch in diameter.

Step 10: Sugar Coating

Roll each ball completely in granulated sugar for a sweet, sparkling exterior.

Step 11: Arrange On Baking Sheet

Place sugar-coated cookies on prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 12: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden while centers remain soft.

Step 13: Cool Down

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 14: Optional Glamour

Dust cooled cookies with edible pearl dust for an elegant, shimmering finish.

Step 15: Store With Care

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful texture.

Pro Tips For Soft And Buttery Cherry Blossom Cookies

  • Chill Dough for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and improve cookie texture, creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Perfect Sugar Coating Technique: Roll cookies gently in granulated sugar, ensuring an even, complete coverage for a delightful crisp exterior and sweet crunch.
  • Prevent Overbrowing Edges: Watch cookies closely during baking and remove when edges are just turning golden to maintain a soft, tender center.
  • Preserve Delicate Cherry Blossom Essence: Use fresh, high-quality dried cherry blossoms and extract to capture the most authentic and vibrant floral notes in your cookies.
  • Create Uniform Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop or weigh each dough ball to ensure consistent size and even baking across the entire batch.

Creative Twists On Cherry Blossom Cookies To Try

  • Lavender Lemon Cookies: Replace cherry blossoms with dried lavender and cherry blossom extract with fresh lemon zest, creating a bright, aromatic alternative that celebrates herbal and citrus notes.
  • Gluten-Free Cherry Blossom Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the delicate floral cookies.
  • Vegan Cherry Blossom Cookies: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with a flax egg or applesauce, and select vegan-friendly food coloring to craft a plant-based version of these elegant treats.
  • Matcha Cherry Blossom Cookies: Incorporate high-quality matcha powder into the dry ingredients, reducing food coloring and adding a subtle green tea undertone to complement the cherry blossom flavor.

What Goes Great With Cherry Blossom Cookies

  • Pair with Delicate Green Tea: Brew a light, fragrant Japanese sencha that complements the cherry blossom's subtle floral notes, enhancing the cookie's delicate flavor profile.
  • Complement with Champagne Rosé: Select a crisp, pink champagne with soft bubbles that mirror the cookie's pastel color and elegant texture, creating a sophisticated tasting experience.
  • Match with Lavender Honey: Drizzle a small amount of artisanal lavender-infused honey alongside the cookies, adding another layer of floral complexity and subtle sweetness.
  • Serve with Almond Mascarpone: Create a light, creamy dipping sauce using almond-flavored mascarpone cheese that provides a rich, smooth contrast to the delicate cherry blossom cookies.

Store Cherry Blossom Cookies And Keep Them Fresh

  • Seal cookies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 7 days, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Preserve for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Place in a ceramic cookie jar with a tight lid, away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 5 days for optimal taste and softness.
  • Warm slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness and enhance the cherry blossom aroma.

Cherry Blossom Cookies FAQs You’ll Want To Know

  • What are dried cherry blossoms, and where can I find them?

Dried cherry blossoms are edible flower petals from sakura trees in Japan. You can find them in specialty Asian grocery stores, online gourmet food shops, or Japanese markets.

  • Can I substitute cherry blossom extract if I can't find it?

Yes, you can use almond extract or rose water as alternatives. These provide similar delicate floral notes that complement the cookie’s flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading on the baking sheet.

  • Is the pink food coloring necessary for the recipe?

The food coloring is optional. If you prefer a natural look, you can skip it without affecting the cookie’s taste or texture.

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Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe

Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 42-45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delicate cherry blossom cookies bloom with Japanese-inspired elegance, blending subtle floral notes and gentle sweetness. Crisp petals and smooth glaze invite sweet moments of culinary artistry you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


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
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Flavoring and Decoration:

  • 2 tbsp dried cherry blossoms (sakura)
  • 1/4 cup cherry blossom extract
  • 2 tbsp pink food coloring
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1/4 cup edible pearl dust (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your baking workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter, mixing until completely combined and creating a uniform wet base.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
  6. Crumble the dried cherry blossoms and mix them into the dough, along with the cherry blossom extract, creating a delicate floral essence.
  7. Add pink food coloring to achieve a soft, pastel pink hue, kneading gently to distribute the color evenly throughout the dough.
  8. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
  9. Roll the chilled dough into small, uniform balls, each about 1-inch in diameter.
  10. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, ensuring a complete and even coating.
  11. Arrange the sugar-coated cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  12. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden and the centers remain soft.
  13. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  14. Optional: Dust the cooled cookies with edible pearl dust for an elegant, shimmering finish.
  15. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, preserving their delicate texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Test butter temperature to ensure it’s softened but not melted, which helps create a light, fluffy texture for perfect cookie consistency.
  • Carefully crumble dried cherry blossoms finely to distribute their delicate flavor evenly throughout the dough without creating large chunks.
  • For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, adding xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Experiment with natural food coloring alternatives like beetroot powder or raspberry puree for a more organic pink hue if avoiding artificial colors.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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