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.
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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for evenly baked cookies.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, distributing the sweet fruit evenly throughout the dough without breaking them up too much.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
