The cookie is buttery and delicious and decorated in the middle usually with a cherry, we added some green candied cherries for a festive holiday cookie look.
These cookies bake up light and are very flavorful, we even have other flavor suggestions to substitute like almond and lemon for a change.
We enjoy all kinds of cookies and make several different kinds for the holiday season we call it the One-Stop Cookie Shop of recipes you may like to try.
The cookie literally tastes great by itself or you can even dip one end in chocolate and add colorful holiday-themed sprinkles.
Scroll down to my printable recipe card and hit print to get these perfect Italian butter cookies to make for your next holiday cookie tray.
Other Additions for the center substitutions:
- lemon, mint, rum, anise, almond, orange, maple, or another extract you like in place of vanilla
- fill the center with Nutella
- add toffee chips, mini chocolate chips
- minced maraschino cherries, coconut, finely chopped walnuts, or mini chocolate chips in the center
- tinted nuts or coconut works well sprinkled on top
- candy sprinkles to match the theme of holiday or party
- crushed peppermints are pretty for the holiday
- pistachios, macadamia nuts, pecan, walnuts, or for nut allergies pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds mixed with cinnamon and sugar
- whole cloves in the center
- zest from lemon or oranges added to the dough lemon curd filling
- chopped dried fruits
- finely minced cranberries, dates, figs, or raisins with cinnamon /sugar mixed with nuts
Ingredients You Will Need (scroll down for exact measurements)
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt unsalted butter, softened
- granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- egg yolks, room temperature
- whole milk
- candied glazed cherries for garnish in red and green (or use tinted green almond slices for the leaves)
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Yield: 24
Italian Candied Cherry Butter Cookies
Italian Candied Cherry Butter Cookies are very popular cookies for Italian Wedding Trays
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 12 MinTotal time: 22 Min
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- candied glazed cherries for garnish in red and green (or use tinted green almond slices for the leaves)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- Beat the butter and sugar with vanilla together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg until blended with the butter mixture.
- Stir in the flour a little at a time adding the milk, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.
- With flour hands (or using a pastry tip) make rounds and place on the baking sheet.
- Add the glazed cherries on top for a holly and berry pattern.
- Bake just until the edges start to brown around 12 minutes.
- Cool before removing from the baking sheet.
Notes
Other Additions for the center substitutions:
- lemon, mint, rum, anise, almond, orange, maple, or another extract you like in place of vanilla
- fill the center with Nutella
- add toffee chips, mini chocolate chips
- minced maraschino cherries, coconut, finely chopped walnuts, or mini chocolate chips in the center
- tinted nuts or coconut works well sprinkled on top
- candy sprinkles to match the theme of holiday or party
- crushed peppermints are pretty for the holiday
- pistachios, macadamia nuts, pecan, walnuts, or for nut allergies pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds mixed with cinnamon and sugar
- whole cloves in the center
- zest from lemon or oranges added to the dough lemon curd filling
- chopped dried fruits
- finely minced cranberries, dates, figs, or raisins with cinnamon /sugar mixed with nuts
Nutrition Facts
Calories
133.67Fat (grams)
8.24 gSat. Fat (grams)
5.04 gCarbs (grams)
13.7 gFiber (grams)
0.28 gNet carbs
13.42 gSugar (grams)
5.72 gProtein (grams)
1.46 gSodium (milligrams)
35.81 mgCholesterol (grams)
36.75 mgThe default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
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Other Holiday Cookies to Try
25 Holiday Cookies
One Stop Cookie Shop
Banana Chocolate Chip Biscotti
Chocolate Spice Cookies
Old Fashioned Buttermilk Cookies
