5 Delicious Persimmon Cookie Recipes You'll Love

Persimmons are a delightful fall fruit, and there's no better way to savor their unique flavor than by baking them into cookies. With their sweet, honey-like taste, persimmons can elevate any cookie recipe to new heights. In this blog post, we'll explore five delectable persimmon cookie recipes that are sure to captivate your taste buds. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, these recipes will give you a wonderful excuse to explore the versatile flavors of persimmons.

1. Classic Persimmon Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ripe persimmon pulp
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, beating well.
4. Blend in the persimmon pulp, followed by the dry ingredients. Stir in the oats and any optional add-ins like raisins or nuts.
5. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

🌟 Note: Choose very ripe persimmons for a more concentrated flavor; they should be soft to the touch.

2. Persimmon White Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe persimmons, pureed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, and persimmon puree, beating until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just incorporated. Fold in the white chocolate chips.
5. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to brown at the edges.

🍰 Note: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to maintain their chewy texture.

3. Spiced Persimmon Molasses Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup persimmon pulp
• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream together butter and sugars until smooth. Add the egg, persimmon pulp, and molasses; mix until blended.
4. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.
5. Shape dough into balls, roll in additional granulated sugar, and place on baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are set but still soft.

🎃 Note: The spices in this recipe pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of persimmon and molasses.

4. Persimmon Lemon Zest Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ripe persimmon pulp
• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup lemon curd for filling

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, persimmon pulp, and lemon zest, mixing well.
4. Mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, make a depression in each with your thumb or the back of a spoon, and fill with lemon curd.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool before transferring.

🍋 Note: Homemade lemon curd enhances the flavor, but store-bought works well too.

5. Chocolate-Dipped Persimmon Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup persimmon pulp
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light. Add egg, vanilla, and persimmon pulp; mix until blended.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, beating until well combined.
5. Form cookies and bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.
6. Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and allow to set on parchment paper.

These persimmon cookie recipes offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures. From the comforting classic oatmeal to the luxurious white chocolate and the zesty lemon thumbprints, each recipe showcases the versatility of the persimmon. They are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday baking, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Each recipe offers a unique taste, ensuring there's something to please every palate. Dive into these baking adventures and let the rich, sweet flavors of persimmons inspire your next baking session.

How do I know when a persimmon is ripe for baking?

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A ripe persimmon will be soft to the touch and have a rich, orange color. It should be sweet enough to eat on its own, indicating it’s perfect for baking.

Can I use frozen persimmon pulp for these recipes?

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Yes, you can use frozen persimmon pulp. Thaw it out completely, drain any excess water, and proceed with the recipe.

Are persimmon cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?

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Most of these recipes do not include nuts, making them safe for nut-allergic individuals. However, always check the labels of any additional ingredients you might add, like chocolate chips or raisins, to ensure they are free from cross-contamination with nuts.