Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened, ½ cup granulated sugar
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup unsalted butter, softened, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten them into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the cherry blossom jam, almond flour, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
½ cup cherry blossom jam or preserve, 2 tablespoons almond flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Roll Out the Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut Out Shapes: Use a cherry blossom cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out cookies.
Assemble Cookies: For half of the cut-out cookies, cut a smaller cherry blossom shape (or any small shape) from the center.
Fill and Top: Place the solid cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a small amount of cherry blossom filling onto each cookie.
½ cup cherry blossom jam or preserve, 2 tablespoons almond flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Add Tops: Gently place the cookies with the cut-out centers on top of the filled cookies.
Decorate (Optional): Sprinkle with pink sanding sugar if desired.
pink sanding sugar
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
