In the realm of holiday baking, where gingerbread and sugar cookies often rule, Sour Cherry Molasses Cookies emerge as a delightful and unique contender. These cookies offer a twist on the traditional molasses cookie, infusing it with the vibrant flavor of sour cherry molasses. As a result, this key ingredient adds a distinctive taste. Additionally, it imparts a gorgeous deep pink hue to the dough.
The recipe draws inspiration from a Ginger Molasses Cookie recipe found in the New York Times Cooking Section. Moreover, it has a few tweaks to make it truly stand out. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice infuses the dough with a warm and aromatic spiciness. As a result, this creates a perfect balance with the sweet and tart notes of the sour cherry molasses.
Three Variations:
What sets these cookies apart are the three delectable variations that elevate them to holiday cookie platter stardom. The first variation introduces succulent dried cherries. These add bursts of intense cherry flavor to each bite. Then, this version is delicately rolled in white sparkle sugar. This creates a snowy coating that glistens under the holiday lights.
For those who crave an extra layer of indulgence, the second variation includes both dried cherries and disco chocolate chips. I have a few of these bags stashed in my freezer. These chocolate chips, adorned with edible glitter make the cookies sparkle and shine like holiday ornaments. The third variation is a trifecta. A dazzling combination of dried cherries, disco chocolate chips, and a coating of white sparkle sugar.
Despite their festive appearance, Sour Cherry Molasses Cookies strike a balance between sweetness and spiciness. They offer a delightful sweet-sour flavor profile. Not overly sugary or excessively spicy, they make for a perfect accompaniment to holiday gatherings. Additionally, they are a visually stunning addition to any cookie platter.
Sour Cherry Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup sour cherry molasses
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped dried cherries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup white sparkle sugar
Instructions
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Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and allspice.
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Cream together butter, sour cherry molasses, and sugar for 4 minutes.
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Add eggs 1 at a time, making sure the first is fully incorporated into the batter before adding the next. Beat in vanilla.
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Turn the mixer down to low and slowly add the dry ingredients.
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Stop the mixer and fold in the dried cherries and chocolate chips
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Wrap the dough in plastic cling film. Chill 2 hours.
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Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Heat oven to 325F.
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Pinch off the dough roll it into balls. Then roll each ball in the sparkle sugar.
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Bake for 15 minutes.
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Transfer to wire cooling racks.
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When cookies have cooled completely transfer to a platter and serve.
Like these Sour Cherry Molasses Cookies? Also, check out some of these other recipes:
ORANGE HAZELNUT MOLASSES CAKE
QUINCE OBATZDA CHEESE SPREAD
GINGERBREAD SPICE MACARONS WITH MOLASSES BUTTERCREAM FILLING
