Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been craving a bright pop of color and a burst of fruity sweetness in your cookie jar, these Maraschino Cherry Cookies are the ultimate treat. Each bite is buttery and soft, flecked with juicy cherry pieces that practically sparkle. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up and have an irresistible old-fashioned charm—think bakery window nostalgia with a modern, homemade twist. Give this recipe a try and watch a batch of Maraschino Cherry Cookies disappear before your eyes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be thrilled at how short and sweet this ingredient list is, but don’t be fooled—each addition plays a vital role in shaping these unforgettable Maraschino Cherry Cookies. From rich melted butter to the hint of vanilla and that signature cherry hue, every ingredient has a purpose.

• Butter (8 tbsp): Melting the butter gives a deliciously soft texture and boosts the cookies’ classic buttery flavor.
• White Sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with the cookies’ slight crisp edges.
• Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a lovely depth, moisture, and a gentle chewiness.
• Egg (1): The key binding agent, adding richness as well as structure.
• Vanilla (1 tsp): Enhances the flavors with that familiar, cozy aroma.
• Red Food Coloring (1/8 tsp, optional): Brings out that pretty pink color, making each cookie pop visually—totally optional, but so fun!
• Flour (1 1/2 cups): The heart of the dough, providing structure and that tender crumb.
• Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Gives the cookies a slight lift and soft texture.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Don’t skip it—it perfectly balances the sweetness and highlights the cherry flavor.
• Maraschino Cherries (16 oz, drained): The star of the show—slice into quarters or halves for sweet bursts throughout every cookie.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Preheat

Before you get started, set your oven to 350 degrees so it’s waiting for you. Drain your maraschino cherries well and let them rest on a cutting board. This ensures they don’t add too much extra moisture to the dough—nobody wants a wet cookie!

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Melt the stick of butter in a microwave-safe bowl until just liquid. Pour it into a medium mixing bowl. Melted butter is the secret to super-soft, rich cookies, so don’t skip this step.

Step 3: Mix in the Sugars

Whisk in both the white and brown sugars with the butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This combination gives your Maraschino Cherry Cookies a perfect balance of sweetness and that hint of caramelized magic.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Give everything a good mix to create a luscious, golden batter. If you’re feeling extra festive, now’s the time to stir in the red food coloring for that cheerful blush.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Stir just until everything is incorporated and a soft dough forms. You want to avoid over-mixing here to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Prep the Cherries and Fold In

Slice your drained cherries into quarters or halves—small enough that you’ll catch a piece in every bite. Gently fold them into your dough, taking care not to crush them too much so the cherry surprises stay bright and juicy.

Step 7: Shape and Flatten

Grab a parchment-lined baking sheet and roll the dough into balls (about 10-12 total). Space them apart to give the cookies room to spread. Lightly press each ball to flatten—this helps them bake evenly and gives them that classic “cookie” look.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes, until the edges are just set and hint at a golden color. Let them cool on the sheet for at least 30 minutes before moving—this helps them set, and trust me, the wait is worth it.

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are pure joy on their own, but you can add a simple powdered sugar dusting or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a bit of glam. Feel free to press a whole maraschino cherry into the top of each cookie just before baking for pretty presentation (and maximum cherry appeal).

Side Dishes

Pair Maraschino Cherry Cookies with a cold glass of milk, warm mug of tea, or even a tangy lemonade. If you’re putting together a dessert tray, they go beautifully with other colorful sweets like lemon bars or chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a pretty glass jar for gifting, or arrange them artfully on a tiered stand for a party. For extra fun, sandwich a little vanilla ice cream between two Maraschino Cherry Cookies to make celebratory ice cream sandwiches—talk about a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining Maraschino Cherry Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The flavors meld nicely, and the cookies stay soft and delightful.

Freezing

These cookies are freezer-friendly! Simply cool them completely, layer with parchment, and seal in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you need a quick treat.

Reheating

If you love warm cookies, pop one or two Maraschino Cherry Cookies in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. They’ll taste oven-fresh, with gooey cherry bits and all that buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

You can, but keep in mind that fresh cherries have more moisture and a milder flavor. Maraschino cherries are sweeter and more vibrant, giving these cookies their signature look and taste. If using fresh, pit and chop them well, and dry them thoroughly.

Do I have to add food coloring?

Not at all! The Maraschino Cherry Cookies are still lovely without it; the cherries add plenty of pink personality on their own. The food coloring just amps up the fun if you’re aiming for a bolder visual.

What’s the best way to chop the cherries?

Lay them on a cutting board and slice each one in half or into quarters, depending on your size preference. Be sure to blot them a bit with paper towels to avoid excess juice seeping into the dough.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and follow the same steps. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the baking sheet, and you may need to adjust the baking time by a minute or two.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes, feel free to fold in a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor. Both additions work beautifully alongside the classic cherry taste.

Final Thoughts

Go ahead and treat yourself to these Maraschino Cherry Cookies—you’ll fall in love with their playfully bright appearance and sweet, buttery flavor. Invite friends to join or savor them solo with your favorite drink; either way, one batch never lasts long! Happy baking!

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