The Perfect Walnut Cherry Slices Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Crafting delightful walnut cherry slices brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet cherries and crunchy walnuts dance together in this irresistible treat.

Memories of grandma’s baking often inspire such delectable creations.

Seasonal ingredients shine brightest when combined with loving care and simple techniques.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of nutty richness and fruity brightness.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these pastries impossible to resist.

You’ll want to share this delicious recipe with everyone who appreciates homemade goodness.

Ways to Serve Walnut Cherry Slices for Dessert

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange slices on a decorative holiday plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, creating an elegant dessert display perfect for Christmas gatherings.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these delicate walnut cherry slices alongside a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, offering a delightful sweet treat during relaxed afternoon breaks.
• Gifting Delight: Package the cooled cookies in a charming gift box with parchment paper, tying with a festive ribbon for a homemade present that shows personal care and baking love.
• Dessert Pairing Magic: Complement these slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Storage Advice for Walnut Cherry Slices

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, keeping them fresh and crisp.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
• Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a warm treat, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

• Are walnuts essential in this recipe?

Walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, but you can substitute with pecans or almonds if desired.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied cherries?

Candied cherries provide a specific sweetness and texture. Fresh cherries might make the dough too wet and alter the cookie’s consistency.

• Why do I need to refrigerate the dough?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, prevents spreading during baking, and allows flavors to develop, resulting in a more compact and flavorful slice.

• How do I know the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly browned edges and a set center. They should be firm but not dark, which indicates they’re done.

Walnut Cherry Slices – A Delicious Twist on Classic Cookies

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these delightful walnut cherry slices with minimal effort, using simple ingredients and basic baking techniques that anyone can master.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for multiple occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant afternoon tea parties, these cookies offer a sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile.
• Texture Paradise: Enjoy the delightful contrast between crunchy walnuts, sweet candied cherries, and a buttery soft cookie base that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate, making it super convenient for busy bakers who want fresh cookies without last-minute stress.

Walnut Cherry Slices Ingredient List for Bakers

• Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides richness and helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
• Confectioner's Sugar: A fine powdered sugar that blends smoothly and adds sweetness to the dough.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the cookies their classic shortbread-like texture.

• Walnuts, Candied Cherries: These ingredients add delightful crunch, texture, and bursts of flavor to the classic slice cookies.

Walnut Cherry Slice Baking Instructions for Perfect Results

Step 1: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whip softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth and fluffy texture.

This process should take approximately 3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 2: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the egg and vanilla extract, blending them thoroughly into the butter mixture until completely combined and uniform in appearance.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, stirring carefully to ensure even distribution without overmixing.

The dough should come together smoothly and develop a consistent texture.

Step 4: Fold In Delicious Additions

• Chopped walnuts
• Candied cherries

Use a wooden spoon to distribute these delightful mix-ins evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Prepare Dough For Chilling

Roll the dough into an elongated log shape, approximately 18 inches long, on a sheet of parchment paper.

Wrap the log tightly in the parchment and plastic wrap, then place in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 1 hour.

Step 6: Ready The Oven

Heat the oven to 325°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Slice And Arrange

Remove the chilled dough log and slice into thin pieces, each about 1/4 inch thick.

Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them roughly 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for lightly browned edges as a sign of doneness.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.

Once completely cooled, these walnut cherry slices are ready to enjoy.

Tips for Cutting Perfect Walnut Cherry Cookie Slices

• Ensure butter is at room temperature by leaving it out for 30-45 minutes before starting, which helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the slices.
• Dust your work surface and hands with a little flour to make shaping the log easier and prevent sticking.
• Use a sharp, thin knife and wipe it clean between cuts to get uniform, clean-edged cookie slices.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their texture.

Fun Walnut Cherry Cookie Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Cherry Walnut Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich texture and flavor.
• Vegan Nutty Cherry Slices: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg replacement like flax egg, and select vegan powdered sugar to create a plant-based alternative that's equally delicious.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Walnut Treats: Substitute confectioner's sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce sugar content while keeping the classic cookie profile.
• Chocolate-Drizzled Cherry Crunch: Add melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle extra chopped walnuts for an indulgent gourmet touch that enhances the original recipe.