There’s something truly magical about the vibrant hue of maraschino cherries peeking out from freshly baked cookies. When whipped together with the soft, buttery richness of shortbread and a hint of almond, these Maraschino Cherry Cookies transform into an irresistible holiday treat. Picture this: a bustling kitchen filled with laughter, the aroma of sweet cherries mingling with chocolate, all culminating in delightful bites that not only please your palate but also bring a festive cheer to your cookie platters.
I discovered this delightful recipe during a cozy afternoon spent experimenting with ingredients I had on hand. What started as a simple craving soon became a beloved addition to my holiday baking repertoire. This cookie isn’t just a sweet snack; it’s a perfect gift for neighbors, friends, or anyone who appreciates a handmade touch during the holidays. Join me in crafting these delightful morsels—let’s make your kitchen the heart of this season’s festivities!
Why are Maraschino Cherry Cookies so special?
Irresistible, these cookies burst with colorful flavor that brightens any gathering.
Easy to make, even novice bakers can whip them up without hassle.
Festive charm shines through, making them perfect for holiday gifting or cookie exchanges.
Rich, buttery texture meets sweet cherry and chocolate, creating a delightful mouthfeel.
Versatile magic allows for ingredient swaps, so you can customize them to your liking.
Bring a little cheer into your kitchen this season and savor the joy of baking with these vibrant Maraschino Cherry Cookies!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients
For the Batter
- Butter – Provides richness and tenderness; feel free to swap for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Powdered Sugar – Essential for sweetness, helping achieve that soft texture; no substitutes recommended.
- Salt – Enhances flavor, making every bite memorable; no substitutes needed.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice – Adds moisture and cherry flavor; you can increase it for a more pronounced cherry taste.
- Almond Extract – Introduces nutty warmth; vanilla extract works as a great substitute for a different flavor.
- Red Food Coloring – Optional to enhance the color; feel free to omit for a lighter appearance.
- Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; accurate measuring is key for the best results.
For the Mix-Ins
- Maraschino Cherries – These provide delightful bursts of flavor; ensure they are drained and chopped before use. You can opt for whole cherries for a different texture.
- Miniature Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds a sweet, chocolaty touch; for less sweetness, substitute with dark chocolate.
Remember that the right balance of these ingredients is what makes your Maraschino Cherry Cookies truly special!
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies
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Cream Together: In a stand mixer, beat the butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed until creamy and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. A light color and smooth texture are your goals!
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Mix in Flavors: Add the salt, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and red food coloring (if you’re using it) to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and you see a beautiful pink color forming.
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Add Flour Gradually: With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour to the mixture. Keep mixing until it just comes together; you want a soft dough that’s not too sticky.
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Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and miniature chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed—this step adds joyful bursts of flavor in each cookie.
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Shape the Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart—these cookies will maintain their shape!
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Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn slightly golden—this is when they are perfectly baked!
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Cool and Store: Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in airtight containers for up to a week—if they last that long!
Optional: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then chilling it in the refrigerator to prevent the dough from becoming too soft. Once chilled, scoop the dough onto parchment-lined sheets and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture. To serve, simply allow the baked cookies to come to room temperature. This not only saves you time on busy baking days but also ensures delicious, fresh cookies ready to delight your family and friends!
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and delicious.
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Fridge: If you prefer colder cookies or live in a warmer climate, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in airtight containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Cookie Dough: Freeze unbaked cookie dough in portioned balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Bake straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists on the classic cookie recipe!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil for a rich, creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free. Your cookies will still be deliciously soft!
- Nutty Crunch: Substitute chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender cookie. Just imagine the satisfying bite!
- Dried Cherry Delight: Swap maraschino cherries for dried cherries to achieve a more intense, chewy flavor. This twist provides a unique depth that’s wonderfully unexpected.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing burst of citrus that complements the cherries perfectly. The fragrance alone will make your kitchen inviting!
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or ground cinnamon to introduce a warm, spicy note that will surprise your taste buds with every bite.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Incorporate white chocolate chips alongside the cherries for a sweet contrast that adds a creamy element to your cookies. It’s a sweet twist that’s hard to resist!
- Less Sweet: Opt for dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips to create a more balanced flavor profile that pairs elegantly with the cherry notes.
- Almond Joy: Replace vanilla extract with pure almond extract for an extra nutty flavor that beautifully enhances the existing almond notes. Simple, yet impactful!
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Imagine a festive gathering or cozy afternoon delight, where every bite is a burst of vibrant flavor!
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Velvety Hot Chocolate: Pairing these cookies with silky hot chocolate creates a wonderful contrast, enhancing the sweet cherry flavor and offering complete indulgence.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Soft and warm cookies over a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream is a heavenly combination. The melting ice cream temperature and texture meld beautifully with each cookie bite.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of freshness that balances the sweetness of the cookies, providing a delightful contrast of textures.
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Coffee or Espresso: The rich notes of coffee or espresso harmonize perfectly with the buttery notes of the cookies, elevating your treat experience and making it feel extra special.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These elegant treats can complement your cookie platter, offering a mix of earthy, fruity, and sweet flavors that delight with every bite.
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Spiced Tea: A cup of chai or spiced tea introduces warm spices that enhance the almond flavors in the cookies while providing a soothing beverage option.
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Nutty Biscotti: Rich in texture, a piece of nutty biscotti will offer a wonderful crunch, doubling the enjoyment of your cookie experience and making for a charming treat.
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Red Wine: If you’re feeling indulgent, a light red wine can accentuate the fruity notes of the maraschino cherries, creating a sophisticated pairing for adult gatherings.
Tips for the Best Maraschino Cherry Cookies
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Chop with Care: Use gloves when chopping maraschino cherries to prevent staining your hands—this will keep your prep tidy and enjoyable!
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Don’t Skimp on Chill: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before shaping. This helps the cookies maintain their lovely form.
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Measure Precisely: Accurately measure your flour; even a small excess can make your cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale if possible for the best results!
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Mind Your Timing: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake, as they can quickly go from perfect to overdone. Slightly golden edges are your cue!
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Mix-In Variations: Got leftovers? Try adding nuts instead of chocolate chips for a crunchy twist, or swap maraschino cherries for dried ones for a unique flavor!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of maraschino cherries are best to use?
Absolutely, for the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality maraschino cherries! Look for those in jars without artificial flavors or colors, as they offer a more authentic cherry taste. If possible, avoid brands with heavy syrup, as this can make your cookies overly sweet.
How should I store my Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will help maintain their soft, delicious texture. If you live in a warm climate, you might prefer to refrigerate them, which can keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Yes! To freeze, place the baked cookies in airtight containers or zip-top bags, ensuring they’re sealed tightly. These cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature—about 15 to 20 minutes—and they’re good to go!
What should I do if my cookie dough feels too soft?
If your dough is too soft to shape, don’t worry! Simply refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it firmer and easier to work with, which will help the cookies maintain their delightful shape as they bake.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
These cookies can be customized to suit various dietary needs! For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Be mindful of allergies—if you’re serving to others, ensure they’re aware of any nut or cherry sensitivities.
How long do raw cookie dough balls last in the freezer?
Raw cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months as well! Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them straight into the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Delicious Maraschino Cherry Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, beat the butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed until creamy and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the salt, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and red food coloring (if you're using it) to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour to the mixture. Keep mixing until it just comes together.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and miniature chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, watching for the edges to turn slightly golden.
- Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Store them in airtight containers for up to a week.
