Maraschino Cherry Cookies are soft, buttery cookies packed with the sweet, fruity flavor of maraschino cherries. These pretty pink cookies have a tender texture, subtle almond undertones, and can be enhanced with white chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a delightful treat, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
- Soft and chewy – Perfectly tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Beautiful pink color – Naturally festive and eye-catching.
- Great for holidays – Ideal for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or parties.
- Customizable – Add chocolate, nuts, or even coconut for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Almond extract
- Maraschino cherries (chopped)
- Maraschino cherry juice
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- White chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract.
- Prepare the cherries: Chop the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Make the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in chopped cherries and cherry juice. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool and serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over cooled cookies.
- Coconut twist: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flavor.
- Nutty crunch: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans for added texture.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Extra cherry flavor: Add more cherry juice for a deeper pink color and stronger cherry taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
No, fresh cherries have a different moisture content and will affect the texture.
Do I have to add almond extract?
No, but it enhances the cherry flavor beautifully. Vanilla extract is a good substitute.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to pat the chopped cherries dry and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
What type of white chocolate works best?
White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate bars both work well.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, use an egg substitute like applesauce or a flax egg.
Why are my cookies too dry?
Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Bake just until the edges are set.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.
How do I make these cookies extra pink?
Add a drop of pink or red food coloring to enhance the color.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Cookies are a fun and festive treat with a deliciously soft texture and rich cherry flavor. Whether for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, these cookies are sure to impress. Try different variations to make them your own, and enjoy the perfect blend of sweetness in every bite!
PrintMaraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with sweet cherry flavor. With bits of chopped maraschino cherries and a hint of almond extract, these cookies are perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or whenever you crave a fruity treat. You can even add white chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips (if using).
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Enjoy as-is, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra sweetness!
Notes
- Draining Cherries: Make sure to drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries before chopping to prevent excess moisture.
- Almond Extract Boost: The almond extract enhances the cherry flavor—don’t skip it!
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
- Recipe Details
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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