Cherry Butter Cookies are a true celebration of the holiday season’s flavours.
Each delicately crafted cookie balances the buttery richness of the dough with the light texture of finely rolled pastry, creating a treat that melts in your mouth.
At the heart of these little delights lies a candied cherry, adding a pop of fruity sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the buttery dough.
Carefully cut into shapes with cookie cutters, these cookies bring a touch of whimsy and elegance to any holiday spread.
Perfect alongside tea or coffee on a chilly winter afternoon, they capture the joyful and festive spirit of Christmas.
Stored in a tin, these cookies keep well and develop even more flavour, allowing you to savour the joy of the season for days to come.
Cherry Butter Cookies: the Recipe
I’ve personally tested this recipe, and the photos are my own—proof that these little Cherry Butter Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat!
Share them with loved ones or enjoy them with a warm drink during the holiday festivities.
Ingredients
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 125 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (about 2 tsp) vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 125 g (9 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- Candied cherries (whole or halved)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
1. Sift together the flour and baking powder into a large bowl or onto a clean work surface.
2. Make a well in the centre and add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and egg. Gradually mix in the flour from the edges to create a thick consistency.
3. Add the softened butter in small pieces and knead quickly to form a smooth, uniform dough.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Form the Cookies:
5. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thin layer (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick).
7. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes (flowers or other designs), and place a whole or halved candied cherry in the centre of each cookie.
8. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake:
9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
Cool and Store:
10. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to a tin for storage.
Final Words about Cherry Butter Cookies
Cherry Butter Cookies are a holiday favourite in Alsace, where they are lovingly baked and enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Known as “Petits Sablés à la Cerise Confite“, their elegant appearance and delightful balance of buttery richness and fruity sweetness make them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Whether shared with friends or savoured with a warm drink, these cookies bring a touch of Alsatian charm and festive cheer to your home.
Stored properly, they remain delicious and fresh for days, making them an ideal treat for the Advent season.
An alternative to the chocolate cookie is the Butter Chocolate Medallions.
Find out more!
Check out all our Christmas recipes on the blog!
Learn more about the traditions of Alsatian Christmas Cookies
Read it in French! More French Christmas traditions and celebrations
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