As I rummaged through my pantry one rainy afternoon, I stumbled upon a jar of maraschino cherries that had seemingly lost their way. Instead of letting them languish at the back of the cupboard, inspiration struck, transforming those bright red beauties into a batch of Soft and Chewy Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies. This recipe not only promises a delightful sweetness but also wraps you in the cozy embrace of nostalgia with every bite. Perfect for busy bakers, these cookies come together in just 27 minutes—ideal for impromptu gatherings or a comforting night at home! Imagine bringing a touch of cheer to your dessert table or pleasing your loved ones with this colorful treat. Are you ready to bake up something surprisingly special?
Why choose Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, tangy burst of maraschino cherries makes each bite an adventure, transforming a classic sugar cookie into something unforgettable.
Quick Prep Time: In just 27 minutes, you can impress family and friends with these delightful cookies, making them the perfect choice for busy bakers.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to add a touch of cherry extract for intensity or incorporate nuts for added crunch—these cookies adapt to your preferences!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive party, these cookies are sure to steal the show, especially when served alongside a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
Don’t forget to explore my other recipes like Pumpkin Oat Cookies for delicious alternatives or indulge in some Peppermint Kiss Cookies for more seasonal flavors!
Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create these delightful maraschino cherry sugar cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
- Softened Butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and aids in achieving that chewy texture.
- Large Egg – Binds the ingredients and contributes to a moist cookie.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; consider using pure vanilla for a deeper taste.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure; you can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Soda – Acts as the leavening agent for a perfect rise in your cookies.
- Salt – Balances sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
For the Cherry Flavor
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries – These little gems deliver bursts of flavor and color; fresh cherries can replace them with more sugar for sweetness.
- Cherry Extract (optional) – Intensifies the cherry flavor if you desire a stronger taste.
- Chopped Nuts (optional) – Adds delightful crunch; walnuts or pecans work wonderfully with the cookies.
With these ingredients handy, you’re all set to bake up a batch of scrumptious maraschino cherry sugar cookies that will leave you and your loved ones craving for more!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving perfectly baked Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface that ensures your cookies release easily after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process introduces air into the batter, which helps create that coveted chewy texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until these ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter appears smooth. This adds moisture and enhances the flavor profile of your Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies, ensuring a rich taste with every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings, ensuring that every cookie rises and tastes just right. Once whisked, gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries
Now it’s time to fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Gently mix them into the dough with a spatula, being careful not to overwork the batter. This is where your Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies get their sweet bursts of flavor and vibrant color, making them a standout treat.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving ample space between them as they will spread while baking. Aim for about 2 inches apart to ensure they don’t merge together. The dough should hold its shape well but still be soft and inviting.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft. This contrast will give your cookies that perfect chewy texture we all love.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up, making it easier to transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling. If desired, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an added touch of sweetness.
Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
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Proper Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature, not melted, to achieve the perfect cookie texture without spreading too much.
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Avoid Overmixing: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of our desired soft Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies.
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Chill the Dough: If your cookies spread excessively while baking, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps to set the structure for a thicker cookie.
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Baking Time Vigilance: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be golden around the edges and soft in the middle. Overbaking can turn them crisp instead of chewy.
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Storage Secrets: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer preservation—these cookies hold up beautifully!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Simply follow all the steps up to portioning the dough, then cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop the chilled dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake as directed. This method keeps your cookies just as delicious, with that soft and chewy texture everyone loves, while helping you enjoy fresh-baked cookies with minimal effort during busy weeknights!
Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful cookies to suit your taste buds!
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Fresh Cherries: Swap maraschino cherries for ripe, fresh cherries for a burst of natural sweetness. Just remember to adjust the sugar to balance the flavors!
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Cherry Extract: Enhance the cherry flavor by adding a teaspoon of cherry extract to the dough, intensifying the fruity notes of your cookies.
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Nuts Included: Try stirring in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an unexpected crunch. The nuttiness complements the cherries beautifully.
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White Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, add white chocolate chips to the dough. The creamy sweetness pairs perfectly with the tart cherries.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies a delightful treat for all to enjoy!
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Coconut Flakes: For a tropical flair, mix in sweetened coconut flakes. This adds a chewy texture and an exotic taste that’s too good to resist.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Prior to baking, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top of the cookies for a warm, inviting flavor that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
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Peppermint Twist: During the holiday season, add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist! Pair them with a warm cup of hot cocoa for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Don’t forget to try these variations with other cookie recipes like Chocolate Chip Cookies and explore more delightful treats such as Peppermint Kiss Cookies to keep your baking adventures exciting!
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and chewy for daily snacking.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive their softness.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can also refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking, allowing you to whip up fresh Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies whenever the craving strikes!
What to Serve with Soft and Chewy Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
Imagine a cozy gathering where each bite of sweet, fruity cookie is paired with delicious complementary flavors that heighten the celebration.
- Classic Milk: A timeless combination, pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk creates a comforting contrast and enhances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful à la mode experience that melts in your mouth.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light side of mixed berries or stone fruits balances the richness of the cookies while adding a refreshing crunch.
- Herbal Tea: Brew a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea to complement the sweetness, creating a soothing and aromatic experience.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: A handful of mixed nuts with tart dried cherries provides a delightful texture contrast, enhancing the cherry flavor in the cookies.
- Whipped Cream Topping: For an indulgent treat, top each cookie with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Each of these pairings not only amplifies the joy of your maraschino cherry sugar cookies but also adds new layers of flavor to your dessert experience!
Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of maraschino cherries should I use?
I recommend using high-quality maraschino cherries that are vibrant in color and have a good balance of sweetness. Typically, the kind found in jars labeled “maraschino cherries” are perfect, offering that classic cherry flavor and juicy texture.
How should I store my Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies?
Store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This method keeps them soft and chewy, making them a great treat for daily snacking. Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking!
Can I freeze these cookies for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, allow them to cool completely, then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds to regain that soft texture.
What do I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find that your cookies are spreading excessively, don’t worry! Chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This step firms up the butter, helping to maintain the shape of the cookies as they bake. You can also ensure your butter is softened, not melted, during the creaming process to help prevent spreading.
Are Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies suitable for people with allergies?
While these cookies are vegetarian, they contain common allergens such as butter and eggs. For those with specific allergies, consider using a vegan butter substitute and flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) to make this recipe more allergy-friendly. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries! Just remember to pit and chop them, and you may need to adjust the sugar in the recipe since fresh cherries can be more tart. This substitution will give your cookies a delightful, seasonal twist.
Delightful Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies to Sweeten Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries gently into the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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