Lemon Cookies with Dried Cherries
Lately I have been eating a lot of chocolate. This is not unusual; actually it happens just about every day that ends in the letter ‘y.’ Last night was no exception.
I went to a friend’s party and she served a deliciously decadent chocolate cake, the very best chocolate dipped biscotti I have ever eaten and refreshing lemon cookies. Today as I wandered into the kitchen to bake a few things, still thinking of her delectable desserts, I started flipping through various cookbooks.
I know that I swore off lemons not too long ago, but what can I say? I saw a recipe for Lemon Cookies with Dried Cherries that I simply HAD to try and I am glad that I did not allow my ridiculous non-lemon thoughts cloud my judgment.
The cookies were delightful. Lemon zest is used to subtly bring in the lemon flavor and I am a big fan of dried cherries. With two cups of these bright red beauties, the end result is not only quite flavorful, but also very pretty to look at.
Will I stop eating a bit of chocolate each day? Probably not. I am sure that the chocolate is helping my sanity stay in tact and keeping my heart healthy (or is it the wine?). But it is important to remember to also add a splash of color and fruit to your diet.
So as we start the New Year, my wish for you is that 2013 be first and foremost a most Happy and Healthy one and may it also be a year filled with delicious desserts that you eat first, at least every once in awhile. Just remember, “Without desserts, life would not be as sweet!”
Lemon Cookies with Dried Cherries | | Print |
- 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1½ teaspoons lemon zest
- 3½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 cups dried cherries
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar together in large mixing bowl for 3 minutes, scraping bowl down as needed. Add eggs and lemon zest. Blend in flour, baking soda and cherries.
- Use a 1½ teaspoon cookie dough scoop to transfer the dough to prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten top of cookie balls with two fingers.
- Bake in 350° oven for 12-14 minutes, rotating baking sheets top to bottom and front to back halfway through. Cookies will be light brown when done.
- Cool on baking sheets.