These Easy Cherry Pie Cookies are the perfect homemade dessert when you’re craving the classic flavor of cherry pie in a soft, bakery-style cookie. This cherry pie cookies recipe combines a buttery sugar cookie base, rich cherry pie filling, and a simple vanilla glaze that ties everything together beautifully. With lightly golden edges, tender centers, and glossy cherry tops, these cherry pie cookies are ideal for holidays, bake sales, family gatherings, or anytime you want a quick and impressive sweet treat. They’re soft, fruity, slightly crisp around the edges, and finished with a drizzle of sweet glaze that makes them look just as good as they taste.
Introduction
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about cherry pie. The bright red filling, the sweet-tart flavor, the comforting aroma—it instantly brings to mind family gatherings and special occasions. But what if you could enjoy that same classic flavor in a handheld, easy-to-make cookie?
That’s exactly what these Cherry Pie Cookies deliver. Instead of rolling out pie crust and waiting for a full pie to bake, this recipe simplifies everything into soft, thumbprint-style cookies filled with cherry pie filling and topped with a delicate vanilla glaze.
They bake in just minutes and cool into beautifully shaped treats with a jewel-like cherry center. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, a weekend dessert, or just because you love cherries, this cherry pie cookies recipe is approachable, reliable, and consistently delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Cherry Pie Flavor – Sweet cherry filling in every bite.
- Soft, Buttery Texture – Tender cookie base with lightly golden edges.
- Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples plus cherry pie filling.
- Beginner-Friendly – Easy mixing and shaping method.
- Quick Baking Time – Ready in just 35 minutes total.
- Beautiful Presentation – Finished with a glossy vanilla glaze.
Ingredients Breakdown
Yield: 12 cookies
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cookie Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cherry pie filling
Ingredient Notes
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened) creates a tender, rich base. Softened butter creams easily with sugar.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup) provides sweetness and structure.
- Egg (1 large) binds the dough and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon) enhances overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups) forms the structure of the cookies.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon) helps the cookies rise slightly.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) balances sweetness.
- Cherry pie filling provides the signature fruity center.
For the Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes
- Powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet drizzle.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons) adjusts glaze consistency.
- Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon) adds flavor depth.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Tablespoon or cookie scoop
- Wire cooling rack
- Small bowl for glaze
- Spoon or whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup softened unsalted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take a few minutes to incorporate air into the mixture.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Add 1 large egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
5. Mix Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Shape Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Create Indentations
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
8. Add Cherry Filling
Spoon a small amount of cherry pie filling into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill to prevent overflow during baking.
9. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid over-baking.
10. Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
12. Glaze the Cookies
Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cookies. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian as written.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free butter and milk alternatives.
- Glaze Thickness: Use 1 tablespoon milk for thicker glaze, 2 for thinner drizzle.
- Flavor Twist: Add a small drop of almond extract to the glaze for a cherry-almond flavor.
Flavor Profile
Cherry Pie Cookies are soft and buttery with a gentle vanilla aroma. The cookie base provides mild sweetness and tender crumb, while the cherry pie filling delivers a bright, fruity burst with balanced tartness.
The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal, creating a contrast between the soft cookie and glossy finish. The edges are lightly crisp, the centers remain soft, and the filling stays luscious and jammy.
Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Diet: Vegetarian
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Dough can be prepared and refrigerated briefly before baking.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container.
- Allow glaze to fully set before stacking.
- Best enjoyed within a few days for optimal freshness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry filling?
This recipe specifies cherry pie filling for convenience and consistency.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure butter is softened, not melted, and measure flour accurately.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze unglazed cookies in airtight containers.
How do I prevent overflow?
Use a small spoonful of filling and avoid overfilling.
Cooking Timeline
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 12 cookies |
Serving Suggestions
Arrange Cherry Pie Cookies on a white platter to highlight the bright red centers. Drizzle glaze evenly for a bakery-style finish. They make beautiful additions to holiday trays or dessert tables.
Recipe Variations
- Extra Glaze Drizzle – Double the glaze for a sweeter finish.
- Almond Accent – Add almond extract to glaze.
- Mini Cookies – Use smaller dough scoops for bite-sized treats.
- Rustic Style – Leave glaze off for a simpler presentation.
Ingredient Spotlight
Cherry Pie Filling
Choose a high-quality cherry pie filling with whole cherries for best texture. Store unopened cans in a cool pantry. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Butter
Softened butter creams best when slightly cool to the touch but easily indented. Proper creaming ensures light, tender cookies.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Cream butter and sugar thoroughly for best texture.
- Do not overmix after adding flour.
- Keep filling centered to avoid spreading.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing.
Storage & Freezing Guide
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term freshness.
Refrigerate for longer storage if needed.
Freeze unglazed cookies in sealed containers. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 22g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian. Contains dairy and gluten unless substituted.
Expanded Conclusion
These Easy Cherry Pie Cookies take everything you love about classic cherry pie and turn it into a simple, crowd-pleasing cookie. Soft, buttery, and topped with sweet glaze, they’re both nostalgic and wonderfully convenient.
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special but comes together quickly, this cherry pie cookies recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Save it, share it, and bring it out whenever you need a dependable homemade treat that never fails to impress.
Print
Easy Cherry Pie Cookies – Soft Homemade Dessert with Sweet Glaze
Cherry pie cookies are a delightful blend of soft cookies filled with sweet cherry pie filling and finished with a simple vanilla glaze.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cherry pie filling
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions onto baking sheets, spacing apart.
- Make an indentation in each cookie center.
- Spoon cherry pie filling into each indentation.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet briefly, then transfer to wire rack.
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for proper creaming.
- Use high-quality cherry pie filling for best flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
