Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. Soft, buttery, and studded with sweet, tangy cherries, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.

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

• Drain and pat the maraschino cherries dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough.
• For a festive touch, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
• Use colored sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar for a sparkly finish.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and brightness but will change the texture and sweetness. If using fresh, pit and chop them, then lightly pat dry to avoid soggy dough.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 92 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining soft, buttery sugar cookies with sweet, vibrant maraschino cherries. Perfectly tender with a hint of vanilla and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are sure to please at any gathering or as a sweet everyday treat.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for evenly baked cookies.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air necessary for tender cookies.
3. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, providing 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 evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensure a tender texture.
6. Fold in cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, distributing the sweet fruit evenly throughout the dough without breaking them up too much.
7. Shape the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them adequately to allow spreading during baking.
8. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating the cookies are cooked through but still soft.
9. Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent breaking.
10. Dust with powdered sugar: Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish and a touch of extra sweetness before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and better texture.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender and soft.
• For extra cherry flavor, drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly before chopping.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Optional: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: maraschino cherry cookies, sugar cookies, cherry sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, soft sugar cookies