Celebrate Spring with Cherry Blossom Cookies
The blooming of cherry blossoms is a cherished event, but it’s not just the flowers that make this time special. Taking a moment to truly appreciate their fleeting beauty makes it unforgettable.
This year, I’ve prepared an array of treats perfect for a hanami (flower-viewing picnic): delicate cherry blossom cookies, colorful nougats, sandwiches, crispy fried chicken, and fruit tea. Picture this: enjoying these delights with a few close friends, sitting under a canopy of sakura, as the petals drift gracefully into your lap.
A Sweet Touch of Spring
Biting into a cherry blossom cookie feels like savoring a piece of spring itself. The buttery texture melts in your mouth, while the subtle floral aroma elevates every bite. These cookies don’t just capture the essence of the season—they turn a simple picnic into a magical experience. 
As cherry blossoms bloom people gather under the trees to celebrate. While we admire the blossoms, the flowers silently observe the countless visitors who come to honor their beauty.
Recipe: Cherry Blossom Cookies
Ingredients for Cookie Dough:
- 130g butter, softened
- 60g powdered sugar
- 30g egg whites
- 90g low-gluten flour
- 70g high-gluten flour
- 25g almond flour
Steps to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies:
Prepare the Dough
1、In a bowl, cream 130g of softened butter until pale and fluffy. Gradually add 60g powdered sugar and beat until the mixture expands.
2、Mix in 30g egg whites until combined.
3、Sift in 90g of low-gluten flour, 70g of high-gluten flour, and 25g of almond flour, then mix gently to form a soft dough. The cookie batter is now ready.
Shape the Cookies
1、Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add pink food coloring to one half and mix well.
2、Use a piping bag fitted with a 5-petal nozzle to pipe the pink dough into cherry blossom shapes, about 3cm in diameter, on a lined baking tray.
Bake to Perfection
1、Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F), then lower it to 150°C (300°F) once the cookies are in. Bake for 15 minutes and let them cool.
Bonus Treat: Cherry Blossom Chocolate Cookies
Steps for Chocolate Cookies:
1、Use the remaining uncolored dough to pipe hollow circles using a Roman shield piping tip. For uniformity, use a floured circular mold to create guides on the baking sheet.
2、Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 15 minutes.
Add the Finishing Touches:
1、Melt 150g white chocolate (Explore white chocolate) and spoon it into the cookie hollows.
2、Decorate with soaked, dried, and salt-removed cherry blossom petals, along with crushed pistachios. Let the chocolate set before serving.
Pro Tips for Preparing Salted Cherry Blossoms
1、Soak 100g salted cherry blossoms (Salt-pickled sakura) in water until the petals unfurl.
2、Change the water frequently to reduce salinity.
3、Pat dry with kitchen paper before use.
