Name: Delicious Maraschino Cherry Cookies for Sweet Celebrations
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Ensure it’s freshly measured for best results.); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Use softened butter for easier mixing.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Go for slightly moist brown sugar.); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Balances sweetness and crispness.); 1 large Egg (Make sure it's at room temperature.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Opt for high-quality vanilla.); 1 cup Maraschino Cherries (Drain and chop finely.); 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Distribute evenly throughout the dough.); 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract (Use sparingly as it's potent.); 1 teaspoon Pink Gel Food Coloring (Optional for a festive touch.)

As the scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through my kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. These Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies bring a delightful twist to the familiar chocolate chip favorite, transforming ordinary afternoons into cherished family moments. Not only are these cookies a feast for the eyes with their vibrant hues of pink, but they also offer the perfect balance of soft, chewy textures and the cheerful zing of cherry goodness. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy evening snack, these cookies are an easy baking project that’s sure to please everyone, young and old. Ready to indulge in a sweet treat that’s bursting with festive charm? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Why You’ll Adore These Cookies?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips delivers a mouthwatering taste that brightens any occasion.

Vibrant Appearance: With a pop of color from the cherries and a hint of pink food coloring, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Quick & Easy: Perfect for bakers of any skill level, this recipe makes indulging in a homemade treat a breeze—ideal for when you’re short on time!

Family-Friendly Fun: Get the whole family involved in the baking process; these cookies are a hit with both kids and adults at any gathering.

Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for holiday parties or cozy gatherings, these cookies will charm your guests and create lasting memories. For more delicious treats like these, check out our Chocolate Chip Cookies for a timeless favorite!

Maraschino Cherry Cookie Ingredients

• Get ready to bake up a storm with these delightful flavors!

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; ensure it’s freshly measured for best results.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; use softened butter for easier mixing.
Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and chewiness; go for slightly moist brown sugar for an extra kick.
Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness and helps achieve a nice crispness in your cookies.
Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for proper mixing.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; opt for high-quality vanilla for the best taste.
Maraschino Cherries – Brings in sweet cherry flavor; drain and chop finely to ensure even distribution.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Brings delightful melty pockets of chocolate; distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Almond Extract – Adds a unique flavor; use sparingly as it’s quite potent.
Pink Gel Food Coloring – Optional for a festive touch; a little goes a long way in creating vibrant cookies.

Indulge in these Maraschino Cherry Cookies—they’re sure to delight at your next gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which helps prevent the cookies from sticking. This setup is crucial for achieving that perfect golden edge on your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cookies a delightful texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until everything is well combined, about another minute on medium speed. The batter should appear smooth and creamy, indicating that the Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies will have moist centers.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain the soft texture of your cookie dough. Your dough should start to come together and be slightly sticky, perfect for adding the cherries and chocolate.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula. Ensure an even distribution to maximize flavor; each bite of your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies should have a delightful mix of chocolate and fruity sweetness.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop mounds of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This spacing is essential to allow for even spreading as they bake. Each scoop should be generous—aim for a hearty cookie size!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out for lightly golden edges with soft centers; this visual cue indicates they are done. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cooling Period
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them set perfectly before transferring. Use a spatula to gently move them to a wire rack for complete cooling, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

What to Serve with Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies?

As you indulge in these delightful cookies, imagine creating a truly memorable spread that adds to the sweetness of the moment.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety ice cream balances the cookies’ sweetness and adds a refreshing coolness.
Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a warm mug of chocolate, enhancing the chocolatey burst in each cookie bite. The rich flavors create a comforting harmony.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and zesty, a mix of seasonal fruits like berries and citrus provides a refreshing contrast and adds a lovely pop of color to your dessert table.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For an extra indulgence, pair these cookies with juicy, chocolate-covered strawberries; the combination is heavenly.
Almond Milk: This nutty, plant-based milk complements the cookies’ flavor while keeping the meal light and refreshing. Serve chilled to amplify the almond notes!
Coffee or Espresso: Brew a strong cup to savor with your cookies; the bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the maraschino cherries.
Lemonade: A tangy glass of lemonade brings a delightful contrast and brightness, perfect for summer gatherings.
Whipped Cream: Top your cookies with dollops of freshly whipped cream for a dreamy treat that feels extra special.
Cheesecake Bites: Choose smooth cheesecake bites for a creamy texture that complement the fruity notes of your cookies.
Mini Fruit Tarts: These delightful bites add elegance and a mix of textures, with a crispy crust and soft filling offering a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies.

Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Measure Flour Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise flour measurements to avoid dry or crumbly cookies. Too much flour can alter the texture significantly.
Chop Cherries Finely: Ensure maraschino cherries are chopped into small pieces for even distribution throughout the cookie dough; larger pieces can create uneven textures and cause spreading.
Control Almond Flavor: Use almond extract sparingly since its flavor can easily overpower the cookies; start with a few drops and taste, adjusting as needed.
Mind the Bake Time: Avoid overbaking! The cookies should be soft in the center and lightly golden around the edges when removed from the oven for the ideal soft-baked Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
Don’t Skip the Cooling: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack; this helps maintain their perfect shape and texture.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate to create your preferred flavor profile, while still keeping the delightful cherry sweetness.

How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Airtight Container: Store your Maraschino Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their softness and flavor.

Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: These delightful cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave on low for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

Make Ahead Options

These Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep, helping you save time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients (but not baking them) and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the cookies’ delightful texture, be sure to tightly seal the container. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and follow the usual baking instructions. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal effort, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or cozy nights in!

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations

Feel free to put your personal spin on these delightful cookies and let your creativity shine!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a luscious, dairy-free version.
Nut-Free: Omit the almond extract to keep the flavor light and comforting; these cookies will still taste fabulous without the extra nutty hint.
Different Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate for a sweeter experience or dark chocolate for a rich, bittersweet flavor.
Crunchy Texture: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft dough.
Spicy Twist: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for an aromatic warmth with each bite. This adds an unexpected festive flair!
Fruity Fusion: Instead of maraschino cherries, try dried cranberries or chopped fresh strawberries for a fresh take on these cookies. The taste will be uniquely delicious!
Sprinkle Magic: Decorate the tops with colorful sprinkles before baking for a fun pop of color, making them perfect for birthday parties or celebrations.

These variations will not only customize the experience but can also delight your friends and family just like my beloved Chocolate Chip Cookies! Embrace the possibilities!

Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When selecting maraschino cherries, opt for those packed in glass jars rather than cans, as they tend to offer better flavor and a firmer texture. Look for cherries that are vibrant in color without excessive dark spots, which indicate overripeness.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very! To keep your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks, but avoid stacking them directly on top of each other to prevent sticking.

Can these cookies be frozen for later use?
Absolutely! For freezing, first, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

My cookies spread too much while baking. What went wrong?
Ah, this can happen! Overmixing the dough can cause the cookies to spread more than desired. Additionally, if the butter was too warm or if the dough was too soft, this could lead to excessive spreading. I recommend chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
Certainly not! While Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies are delightful for human consumption, they are not safe for pets. Ingredients like chocolate can be harmful to dogs, while the sugar content is not suitable for either dogs or cats. Always store baked goods out of reach of furry companions.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try! Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking can work. Make sure to check that any additional ingredients you use, like chocolate chips, are also gluten-free. It’s always a good idea to follow up on the packaging to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.