Cherry spiral sugar cookies are a delightful treat that combine the classic sugar cookie with a burst of cherry flavor. Growing up in the Midwest, I have fond memories of making these with my grandmother during the holidays. The vibrant red swirl not only adds a pop of color but also brings a sweet-tart cherry taste that perfectly complements the buttery cookie dough. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a party or simply want to indulge in a nostalgic baking session, these cookies are a must-try.
These cherry spiral sugar cookies are perfect on their own, but if you're looking to create a charming dessert platter, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more refreshing touch, serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or a light, fruity tea. They also make an excellent addition to a holiday cookie swap or as a sweet ending to a brunch with friends.
Cherry Spiral Sugar CookiesServings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cherry preserves
1 tablespoon red food coloring
Additional granulated sugar for dusting
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Divide the dough in half. Mix the cherry preserves and red food coloring into one half until evenly incorporated.
Roll out both dough halves between sheets of parchment paper into rectangles of equal size, about 1/4 inch thick.
Place the cherry dough on top of the plain dough and gently press together.
Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from a long side, to create a spiral design.
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Once cooled, dust cookies with additional granulated sugar.
Variations & Tips
For a citrus twist, try adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough. If you prefer a nutty flavor, sprinkle some finely chopped almonds or pistachios over the cherry layer before rolling the dough. You can also experiment with different preserves, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a new flavor combination. To make these cookies suitable for a holiday themed party, consider using green food coloring in half of the dough to create a red and green spiral.
