Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, bursting with bright, sweet cherry flavor in every bite. Perfect for a festive treat or a colorful addition to your cookie collection.
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp butter (one stick), melted
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/8 tsp red food coloring (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 16 oz maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish and pour it into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Step 3: Add the white and brown sugars to the melted butter and mix until well combined.
- Step 4: Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, then mix again until smooth.
- Step 5: If using, add the red food coloring and mix thoroughly to incorporate it evenly.
- Step 6: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Step 7: Drain the maraschino cherries well, then slice them into quarters or halves. Gently fold the cherries into the dough.
- Step 8: Shape the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Press each ball down gently to flatten.
- Step 9: Bake for 12 minutes, then remove and let the cookies cool for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla.
- If you prefer, chop the cherries finely to distribute the fruit more evenly throughout the cookie.
- Skip the food coloring if you want a more natural appearance.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Reheat briefly in a low oven or microwave to soften if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they contain more moisture and will change the texture of the cookies. If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit and chop them, and consider reducing other liquids slightly.
Why add red food coloring?
The red food coloring is optional and helps enhance the vibrant cherry color of the cookies, making them more visually appealing, especially for festive occasions.
PrintMaraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe
Delightful Maraschino Cherry Cookies with a soft, buttery base and bursts of sweet maraschino cherries in every bite. These easy-to-make cookies offer a festive red hue, perfect for holiday treats or anytime indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 8 tbsp butter (one stick), melted
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp red food coloring (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Mix-ins
- 16 oz maraschino cherries, drained and quartered or halved
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your cookie dough is prepared.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish and pour it into a medium-sized mixing bowl to create the cookie dough base.
- Add Sugars: Add the white and brown sugars to the melted butter and mix thoroughly until combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and add vanilla extract, then mix well to blend all ingredients into a uniform batter.
- Add Food Coloring: If using, add the red food coloring to the mixture and stir continuously until the color is evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Cherries: Drain maraschino cherries to remove excess juice. Slice cherries into halves or quarters, then gently fold them into the cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop dough into balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow spreading. Gently press each ball to flatten slightly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes to set properly before serving.
Notes
- Drain the cherries well to prevent excess moisture from affecting cookie texture.
- Red food coloring is optional but adds a festive look to the cookies.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake by a minute or two, as they continue to firm up while cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: maraschino cherry cookies, cherry cookies, festive cookies, holiday treats, soft cookies, red cookies
