Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, bursting with sweet and tangy cherry flavor. Soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion, they’re as charming as they are delicious.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
7. Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and improve texture.
• For extra cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of cherry extract along with the vanilla.
• Swap maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or fresh cherries for a different fruit twist.
• Use colored sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar for a festive look.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a low oven for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used but make sure to pit and chop them finely. Fresh cherries have more moisture, so you might want to slightly reduce other liquids or flour to maintain the dough consistency.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps reduce spreading. Also, using parchment paper and measuring ingredients accurately can improve shape retention.

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring chopped maraschino cherries for a burst of color and flavor. Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 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

For Dusting

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make the cookies tough.
6. Fold in Chopped Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries to evenly distribute bursts of cherry flavor throughout the dough.
7. Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them to allow for spreading.
8. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly baked.
9. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents them from breaking.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a charming and sweet finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• Chop the maraschino cherries finely to prevent clumps and promote even distribution.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• For a stronger cherry flavor, soak chopped maraschino cherries in a little cherry juice before adding them to the dough, but drain excess liquid well.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.

Keywords: Maraschino cherry cookies, cherry sugar cookies, holiday cookies, soft sugar cookies, festive cookies