Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Maraschino Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat bursting with sweet, fruity flavor and a soft, chewy texture. These colorful cookies bring a fun twist to your baking routine, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special snack.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish, then pour it into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
3. Step 3: Add both white and brown sugars to the melted butter and mix until well combined.
4. Step 4: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
5. Step 5: If using, add the red food coloring and stir to incorporate evenly.
6. Step 6: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
7. Step 7: Drain the excess juice from the maraschino cherries. Lay them on a cutting board and slice into halves or quarters. Gently fold the cherries into the dough.
8. Step 8: Shape the dough into balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading. Lightly press each ball to flatten slightly. This recipe will make about 10-12 cookies.
9. Step 9: Bake for 12 minutes, then let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer cherry flavor, reserve some of the cherry juice and add a teaspoon to the dough.
• Try mixing in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the white sugar to 1/3 cup.
• Use red food coloring sparingly or omit it if you prefer a natural look.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat briefly in a microwave or warm oven to soften before serving.

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 have more moisture and a tart flavor, which may affect the dough’s consistency and sweetness. If using fresh cherries, consider reducing other liquids and adjusting sugar to taste.

Do I have to use red food coloring?

Red food coloring is optional and mainly used for vibrant color. The cookies will still taste great without it, just with a more natural appearance.

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

Delightfully sweet and chewy Maraschino Cherry Cookies featuring bursts of vibrant cherries baked into a buttery, soft cookie base. These eye-catching treats are perfect for any occasion, combining the classic flavors of vanilla and brown sugar with the colorful appeal of maraschino cherries.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 8 tbsp butter (one stick), melted
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 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 chopped (quartered or halved)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cookies.
2. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish until fully liquefied and pour it into a medium-sized mixing bowl to serve as the base for your dough.
3. Combine Sugars: Add both the white sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix again until the ingredients are fully incorporated and you have a smooth batter.
5. Add Food Coloring (Optional): If using red food coloring, add 1/8 teaspoon to the mixture and stir well to evenly distribute the color throughout the dough.
6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until the dough comes together without overmixing.
7. Prepare Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries to remove excess syrup. Lay them on a cutting board and slice each cherry into halves or quarters for better distribution in the cookies.
8. Combine Cherries with Dough: Fold the chopped cherries gently into the cookie dough, ensuring even dispersion without crushing the fruit.
9. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space the balls apart, as the dough will spread during baking. Gently press each ball to slightly flatten them for even baking. You should have about 10-12 cookies.
10. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes to set and firm up before serving.

Notes

• Draining the cherries well is important to prevent the cookie dough from becoming too wet.
• If you prefer more vibrant cookies, adding the optional red food coloring enhances their visual appeal.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Cookies will spread when baking, so be sure to space dough balls appropriately on the sheet.
• For chewier cookies, do not overbake; watch the edges for a slight golden color and remove from oven accordingly.

Keywords: maraschino cherry cookies, cherry cookies, baked cookies, holiday cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, maraschino cherries