Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. It takes me back to those cherished childhood days when I’d sit at the kitchen counter, eagerly watching my grandmother bake her beloved cookies. Today, I want to invite you into my cozy kitchen to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart—Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies. These delightful treats are not just about taste; they’re about creating memories, sparking joy, and bringing a touch of nostalgia to your home.

Imagine the soft, buttery texture of a classic sugar cookie, elevated with the sweet, juicy bites of maraschino cherries. These cookies are a simple pleasure with a surprising depth of flavor. They’re a reminder of how the simplest things can often bring the most happiness. Baking these cookies is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug, and sharing them with loved ones is even better.

So, why should these cookies find a place on your table? First, they are incredibly easy to make, so anyone can enjoy the process—even if baking isn’t your usual forte. Secondly, the combination of cherry and almond extract adds a unique twist that will surely delight your taste buds. Third, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations. Fourth, their beautiful pink hue makes them a charming addition to any dessert spread. Lastly, they’re a wonderful way to introduce little ones to the joys of baking, making them ideal for some quality family time in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a testament to the joy of homemade baking. Here are a few reasons why these cookies deserve a spot in your kitchen:

1. Effortless Charm: These cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. With straightforward steps and ingredients you likely already have, they’re a perfect choice for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. The process of baking them is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced skills or fancy equipment, allowing you to focus on the joy of baking rather than the complexity of the task.

2. Heartwarming Tradition: Baking these cookies can become a cherished family tradition, allowing you to pass down the art of baking and create new memories with each batch. Imagine the joy of gathering around with family members, each taking turns adding ingredients and rolling dough, all while sharing stories and laughter.

3. Versatile Delight: Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a show-stopping addition to your holiday cookie platter, these cookies fit any occasion beautifully. Their versatility is a testament to their universal appeal, as they effortlessly complement any menu or celebration.

4. Visual Appeal: The vibrant maraschino cherries add a pop of color, making these cookies as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. They stand out on any dessert table, inviting guests to indulge in their delightful appearance.

5. Flavorful Surprise: The subtle almond and cherry flavors blend seamlessly, offering a delightful taste that’s both familiar and exciting. Each bite brings a hint of nostalgia, coupled with the surprise of a unique flavor combination that feels both comforting and refreshing.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

To make your baking experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here are a few kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls is essential—one for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients. This separation ensures that your ingredients are evenly mixed and helps prevent clumps.
• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help achieve the perfect creamy texture when combining butter and sugar. The key to a good cookie is a well-creamed butter and sugar mixture, which provides a light and fluffy base.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets ensures easy cookie removal and less clean-up. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and sticking to the pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking, so having these handy will make your process foolproof. Accurate measurements ensure consistency in your cookies’ texture and flavor.
• Cookie Scoop: This tool helps in creating uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking. Uniform cookies not only look better, but they also bake more evenly, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack allows your cookies to cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy. Proper cooling ensures that the cookies retain their intended texture and flavor.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

INGREDIENTS

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Optional: extra sugar for rolling

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to a consistent rise in your cookies.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft texture.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and maraschino cherry juice until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this stage, with all the flavors well-integrated.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. It’s important to mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
6. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Take care to distribute the cherries evenly throughout the dough for consistent cherry flavor in every bite.
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and optionally roll in extra sugar for a slight crunch. The extra sugar adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sparkle to the finished cookies.
8. Place the cookie dough balls onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to over-bake; the cookies should be set but still soft in the center.
10. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cookies firm up and develop their full flavor.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 10 minutes • Total Time: 25 minutes • Calories: 160 kcal • Servings: 24 cookies

Note: Use chopped maraschino cherries evenly to prevent clumping and ensure each cookie has flavorful bites. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances flavor.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these cookies plays an important role, not just in taste, but also in texture and overall enjoyment:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure your cookies need to hold together without being overly dense. It acts as the foundation of the cookie, giving it the right amount of chewiness.
• Butter: The unsalted butter gives a rich, creamy texture, enhancing the classic buttery flavor we love in sugar cookies. It also contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb and deliciously crisp edges.
• Maraschino Cherries: These cherries not only add a burst of color but also provide a delightful sweetness that complements the almond extract beautifully. They are preserved in a sweet syrup that infuses the cookies with a unique flavor profile.
• Almond Extract: Just a hint of almond extract elevates the cherry flavor, creating a nuanced taste that feels both nostalgic and new. It adds a fragrant aroma that enhances the overall sensory experience of the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for the cookie’s sweetness, it also contributes to the light, crisp edges when baked. The slight caramelization of sugar during baking adds a depth of flavor and a hint of crunch.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a versatile treat that pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and other desserts:

• Coffee or Tea: The sweetness of the cookies pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of coffee or the gentle flavors of herbal teas. The warmth of these beverages complements the rich flavors of the cookies, making for a comforting treat.
• Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts with the warm, soft cookies, creating a delightful combination.
• Fruit Salad: Complement the sweetness of the cookies with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced treat. The tartness of the fruits can cut through the richness of the cookies, adding a refreshing element to your dessert spread.

Pairing suggestions can be found in our cookie pairing guide for more delightful combinations.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

Storing these cookies properly ensures they remain fresh and delicious for days to come:

• Room Temperature: Place cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Keeping them at room temperature maintains their soft texture and ensures they’re always ready for a quick snack.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. This method is perfect for making a batch ahead of time and enjoying them later.
• Reheating: Enjoy your cookies warm by popping them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven for a couple of minutes. Warming them up enhances their flavors and gives them that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Finally, remember that the best part of baking is sharing the joy it brings. Whether it’s with family, friends, or neighbors, these cookies are sure to spread smiles all around.

The beauty of homemade cooking lies in its ability to connect us with loved ones and create lasting memories. These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a testament to that, offering a simple yet heartfelt way to celebrate the everyday moments of joy in life. Happy baking, my dear friends!

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

These delightful sugar cookies are infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of maraschino cherries, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 160

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries chopped and drained
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Optional

• extra sugar for rolling

Equipment

• Baking Sheets
• Parchment Paper

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and maraschino cherry juice until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and optionally roll in extra sugar for a slight crunch.
8. Place the cookie dough balls onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use chopped maraschino cherries evenly to prevent clumping and ensure each cookie has flavorful bites. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances flavor.