| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 12 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 30g | 18g | 85g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 50g | 1g | 8g | 0.6g |
Wrapped within the sweet, crumbly texture of our unique Vanilla Sugar Cookies, you’ll be greeted with a delightful burst of fresh fruit, bringing a dimension that’s both surprising and indulgently satisfying. As a Pacific Northwest native with roots embedded in Japan, my love for this recipe comes from successfully combining western favorites with a touch of a traditional Japanese fruit-based dessert, like the beloved Fruit Sandwich (Furutsu Sando).
A Sweet Escape
The Vanilla Sugar Cookies, in all their delectable glory, serve as a sweet escape. They play a starring role in countless cherished memories, from childhood baking to bustling Seattle bakery shops, now bridging continents by marrying a fascinating standout ingredient – the versatile, fresh, diced assorted fruit. The fruit offers an unexpected, yet pleasant twist that resonates with my dual heritage, bringing a hint of tropical flair to an otherwise-traditional recipe.
Nutrition Meets Indulgence
Let’s talk health. These cookies are a shining example of how indulgence and nutrition can leisurely coexist. The assorted fruit tucked within each bite not only offers an adventurous flavor surprise but supplements your diet with essential vitamins and fiber. Meanwhile, the use of unsalted butter reduces unnecessary sodium load, making these cookies a healthier choice for your sweet tooth.
All in all, these Vanilla Sugar Cookies are strikingly similar to other fruity desserts, like the classic American fruit pies or a playful take on a Japanese fruit parfait. They would pair beautifully with a cup of green tea, maintaining that balance of East meets West or serve as a delightful finish to a seafood-based meal, making it the perfect cross-cultural culinary experience.
The fusion of quintessential American cookies with the vibrant flavor profile from assorted fruit echoes my lifelong journey of cultural blending. And I truly hope that you’ll find as much joy in this recipe as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling cookies
- 1/2 cup of diced assorted fruit (your choice)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step Two
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and roll in the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Add in the diced fruit of your choice and mix until evenly distributed.
Step Three
Place onto ungreased cookie sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart.
Step Four
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
