Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

Name: Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies That Will Delight You!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Posted on October 28, 2025

Dessert

Introduction to Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

Welcome to the delightful world of Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies! If you’re like me, juggling a busy schedule while trying to whip up something special for your loved ones can feel overwhelming. These cookies are the perfect solution! They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with the sweet flavor of maraschino cherries. Whether you need a quick treat for a school bake sale or a sweet surprise for a family gathering, this recipe will impress everyone. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported to cookie heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They come together in just 27 minutes, making them a quick and easy treat. The delightful combination of soft, chewy texture and sweet cherry flavor will have your family begging for more. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. You’ll love how simple yet impressive they are!

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

Let’s gather our ingredients for these delightful Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies! Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect cookie experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter: This is the base of our cookies, providing richness and a soft texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar: This sweetener not only adds sweetness but also helps achieve that lovely chewy texture.
Large egg: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ structure and moisture.

Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making the cookies taste even more delightful.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie dough, it gives the cookies their shape and texture.
Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, creating that soft and chewy bite we all love.

Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Maraschino cherries: The star of the show! Chopped cherries add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color to each cookie.
Powdered sugar: Optional, but a light dusting on top adds a lovely finishing touch and a bit of extra sweetness.

For those looking to amp up the cherry flavor, consider adding a few drops of cherry extract. You can find all the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. A hot oven helps the cookies rise and develop that perfect chewy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Achieving the right texture is key; it helps incorporate air into the dough, making your cookies soft and tender. If it looks like a fluffy cloud, you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg binds the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately is important. It ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cookies rise perfectly.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy. A few flour streaks are okay!

Step 6: Fold in Maraschino Cherries

Time to fold in those chopped maraschino cherries! Gently mix them into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. This step adds bursts of sweetness and color to each cookie, making them even more delightful.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. If you want perfectly shaped cookies, you can roll the dough into balls before placing them on the sheet.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a bit soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Dust

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar before serving for that extra touch of sweetness!

Tips for Success

Always use softened butter for easy creaming and a fluffy texture.

Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s essential for even baking.
Measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.
For chewier cookies, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour.

Experiment with different toppings, like sprinkles or chocolate chips, for added fun!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for dry ingredients. Any size will do!
Electric mixer: A hand mixer works great, but a whisk and some elbow grease can do the job too.

Baking sheet: Use a standard cookie sheet or any flat baking tray you have.
Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
Wire rack: For cooling cookies; a plate can work in a pinch!

Variations of Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Chip Addition: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful contrast to the sweet cherries.
Almond Extract: Swap out vanilla for almond extract to give your cookies a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Oatmeal Cherry Cookies: Add rolled oats to the dough for a chewy texture and a heartier cookie.
Frosted Cookies: Top your cooled cookies with a simple buttercream frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions for Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat.

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Present them on a colorful platter, garnished with fresh cherries for a festive touch.
Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

Wrap them in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a charming gift idea!

FAQs about Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

As you embark on your baking adventure with Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers to guide you along the way!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries can be used, they won’t provide the same sweetness and moisture as maraschino cherries. If you choose to go fresh, consider adding a bit of extra sugar to balance the flavors.

How should I store my cookies?

To keep your Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking.

What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?

If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm dough or too much butter. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to your Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies. Just fold them in along with the cherries for a tasty twist!

Final Thoughts

Making Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in the kitchen. The joy of mixing, the delightful aroma wafting through your home, and the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they take that first bite are truly priceless. These cookies are a simple yet special treat that can brighten any day. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, they bring a touch of warmth and happiness. So, roll up your sleeves and let the cherry-infused magic begin!