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Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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