Name: Maraschino Cherry Cookies: Your Sweet, Chewy Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (melted); 1 cup White Sugar; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (light or dark); 1 large Egg (or flax egg for vegan); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (preferably pure); 1 drop Red Food Coloring (optional); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Maraschino Cherries (drained and chopped)

A burst of color and sweetness can transform any cookie platter, and that’s exactly what my Maraschino Cherry Cookies bring to the table! These delightful treats feature a soft, chewy sugar cookie base, adorned with vibrant chunks of maraschino cherries that take your dessert game to new heights. They’re not just visually appealing; this easy cookie recipe also makes them a perfect choice for celebrations or a cozy night in. Plus, their quick prep means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time indulging with family and friends. So, are you ready to bake up some smiles with these charming cookies?

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Why You’ll Adore Maraschino Cherry Cookies?

Unique Twist: The inclusion of maraschino cherries adds a vibrant pop of color and flavor that sets these cookies apart from standard recipes.
Fun to Make: Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or weekend baking.
Chewy Delight: With a soft, chewy texture complemented by juicy cherry bits, each bite is a mini celebration of flavor!
Versatile Variations: Want to switch things up? Mix in white chocolate chips or even crushed candy canes for a festive twist—perfect for any occasion!
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress kids and adults alike, making them the talk of the party or the star of the holiday spread! Add them alongside a batch of Lemon Sugar Cookies or German Chocolate Cookies for a delightful dessert table.

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Butter – Adds richness and moisture; melted butter ensures even mixing for a smoother texture.
White Sugar – Provides sweetness that complements the cherries, contributing to that luscious chewiness.
Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture; feel free to use either light or dark brown sugar based on your preference.
Egg – Binds everything together and gives moisture; a flax egg works as a vegan substitute if desired.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookie’s flavor; opting for pure vanilla provides a more robust taste.
Red Food Coloring (optional) – Brightens the cookies for an appealing look; omit for a natural finish if you prefer.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; for gluten-free options, substitute with gluten-free flour but be mindful of the texture.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise and stay soft.
Salt – Balances out the sweetness and elevates the flavors.
Maraschino Cherries – The star ingredient that adds juicy bursts of flavor; be sure to drain and chop them well before integrating into the dough.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Maraschino Cherry Cookies will bake evenly and develop a lovely golden edge. While the oven is heating up, gather the necessary mixing bowls, measuring tools, and parchment paper to line your baking sheets.

Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a microwave-safe dish, melt the butter until it is smooth and liquid but not hot. Once melted, pour the butter into a medium-sized mixing bowl, allowing it to cool slightly. This step helps create a rich base for your cookie dough while ensuring even mixing.

Step 3: Combine Sugars
Next, add both the white sugar and brown sugar to the butter in the bowl. Using a sturdy whisk or spatula, mix the ingredients together until fully combined and smooth, taking about 1 to 2 minutes. The sugars will dissolve into the butter, creating a creamy mixture that adds sweetness and chewiness to your Maraschino Cherry Cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Stir the mixture vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated, which should take about 1 minute. This addition binds the cookie dough and adds a lovely depth of flavor that perfectly complements the sweet cherries.

Step 5: Incorporate Food Coloring (Optional)
If you’d like a pop of color in your cookies, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix well until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step is optional but adds a festive touch to your Maraschino Cherry Cookies, making them visually delightful.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until a dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can affect the tenderness of your Maraschino Cherry Cookies. The dough should come together nicely, appearing slightly thick and puffy.

Step 7: Fold in the Cherries
Prepare the maraschino cherries by draining them thoroughly and chopping them into small pieces. Gently fold the chopped cherries into the cookie dough with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This step adds the signature bursts of flavor that make your cookies unique and delightful.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading as they bake. Each cookie should look generous and be about a tablespoon of dough.

Step 9: Flatten and Bake
Slightly flatten each cookie ball with the back of your hand or a measuring cup. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool, giving you the ideal chewy texture.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 30 minutes. This allows them to set properly. After cooling, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they stay soft and delicious for your enjoyment.

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Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and incorporation into your Maraschino Cherry Cookies, yielding a uniform dough.
Thoroughly Drain Cherries: Excess moisture can lead to soggy cookies, so be sure to drain and chop the maraschino cherries well before adding them to the dough.
Avoid Over-Mixing: Gently combine the flour with the wet ingredients; over-mixing can result in tougher cookies rather than the desired soft and chewy texture.
Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps prevent spreading.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still appear soft; they will continue to firm up while cooling.

Make Ahead Options

These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal last-minute work! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their delightful texture, shape the dough into balls and refrigerate instead of the full dough; this prevents any excess spreading during baking. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, and flatten slightly before baking as instructed. This way, you’ll have scrumptious cookies that are just as delicious as if they were freshly made!

Storage Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cooled Maraschino Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their delightful texture.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep the cookies in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 10 days. Just ensure they are well-covered to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough in a tightly sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. To bake, simply thaw and follow the baking instructions!

Reheating: Heat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their softness before serving. Enjoy the chewy delight anytime!

What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Cookies?

Creating a delightful experience around your Maraschino Cherry Cookies can elevate your gatherings with vibrant flavors and textures.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly offsets the sweetness of the cookies, creating a deliciously contrasting dessert.
Hot Cocoa: Rich, warm hot cocoa makes a comforting pairing, coaxing out the cherry’s sweetness while adding a luscious layer of chocolate flavor.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the cookies’ richness with bright, tangy notes.
Coffee: Pair your cookies with a nice cup of coffee for a great mid-morning or afternoon treat. The bitter notes of coffee enhance the cookie’s sweetness.
Cheesecake Brownies: Serve alongside decadent cheesecake brownies for a double dessert treat. The creamy richness complements the chewy texture of the cookies wonderfully.
Whipped Cream Dip: Create a light whipped cream dip flavored with vanilla or almond extract, perfect for dipping each cookie into for extra creaminess.

By serving these delicious sides, you’ll create an enchanting dessert experience that’ll have everyone coming back for more!

Variations & Substitutions for Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Feel free to personalize your Maraschino Cherry Cookies with these tasty twists that will make your baking adventure even more delightful!

Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with cherries. The sweet smoothness of the chocolate creates a luscious cookie experience.
Mint Twist: Incorporate crushed candy canes during the holiday season for an invigorating minty flair. This festive addition will brighten up your cookies and create a refreshing twist that family and friends will adore.
Coconut Flakes: Mix in some shredded coconut for added texture and a tropical twist. The coconut’s nuttiness enhances the cookie’s character, making each bite a chewy and flavorful delight.
Nutty Delight: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and depth. Mixing in nuts not only introduces a savory note but also adds to the cookie’s overall texture—perfect for those who enjoy a little bite!
Dried Fruit: For a fruity alternative, incorporate dried cranberries or apricots instead of maraschino cherries. This swap offers a different flavor profile and enticing chewiness, making your cookies uniquely yours.
Spice Infusion: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy aroma that complements the sweetness of the cherries. This subtle kick can elevate your cookies, especially during fall and winter festivities.
Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This allows everyone to enjoy these delicious treats without compromising on taste or texture.

Why not try serving your cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet, indulgent treat? Or, pair them with a cup of hot cocoa for a heartwarming experience that invites smiles all around!

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Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Look for maraschino cherries that are vibrant in color and free from any dark spots or blemishes. A good quality cherry should have a firm texture without excessive juice, which could make your cookies soggy. Always choose a brand that lists cherries as the first ingredient for better flavor.

How should I store my Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll stay nice for about 10 days. Just be sure they are well-covered to prevent them from drying out!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Freezing is a great option for these delightful cookies. To freeze unbaked dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about 1 hour. Then, transfer the cookie balls to a sealed freezer bag, where they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What if my dough seems too sticky or dry?
Very common! If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This should help firm it up and make it easier to handle. On the other hand, if it seems too dry, try adding a splash of milk or an additional beaten egg to bring everything together without making it overly wet.

Do these cookies contain common allergens?
For those concerned about allergies, these Maraschino Cherry Cookies contain essential ingredients like eggs and gluten. If you’re baking for someone with an egg allergy, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes), and for gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Always double-check your ingredient labels for any cross-contamination warnings!