Sweet Cherry Gems: Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Sweet, buttery cookie dough meets its perfect match with these irresistible maraschino cherry delight cookies that spark joy in every bite.

Soft, pillowy rounds studded with vibrant crimson cherries create a delightful treat sure to brighten any dessert plate.

Delicate and rich, these cookies blend classic bakery charm with a pop of fruity sweetness.

The subtle almond undertones complement the cherries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that melts in your mouth.

Each cookie promises a burst of cheerful color and delectable texture that beckons you closer.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet stunning recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert.

These charming treats will surely become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and volume, sift for lighter texture.
• Cornstarch: Adds tenderness and helps create a delicate cookie crumb.
• Baking Soda: Ensures proper rising and creates soft, chewy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy base with smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and contribute to golden color.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide moisture and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet undertone and depth of flavor.
• Almond Extract: Introduces subtle nutty, aromatic essence.
• Pink Gel Food Coloring: Creates festive, soft pink hue for visual appeal.

• Maraschino Cherries: Brings bursts of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
• Chocolate Chips: Delivers rich, melty chocolate pockets throughout cookies.
• Additional Chocolate Chips, Chopped Cherries: Enhances visual presentation and flavor distribution.

Tools That Help Bake Cherry Cookies

• Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized for combining ingredients and mixing dough.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars to achieve fluffy texture.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform, golf ball-sized cookie dough balls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: For aerating flour and blending dry ingredients.
• Knife: To level off measuring cups for accurate flour measurement.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with silicone mat or parchment paper for even baking.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without becoming soggy.
• Paper Towels: To drain and dry chopped maraschino cherries.

Making Maraschino Cherry Cookies Smoothly

• Cherry Pink Inspiration

Craft a delightful cookie that celebrates sweet, vibrant flavors with a playful pink touch and bursts of chocolate goodness.

• Butter Bliss

Cream soft butter with sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy cloud that promises delectable results.

• Flavor Symphony

Blend smooth extracts and a hint of pink gel color to create a magical base that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Dry Magic

Gently fold dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, creating a luscious dough that will become irresistible cookies.

• Cherry Chocolate Dance

Carefully mix chopped cherries and chocolate chips throughout the dough, ensuring each bite offers a surprise of flavor.

• Cookie Shaping

Scoop generous dollops of dough onto a prepared baking sheet, pressing extra chocolate and cherry pieces on top for visual appeal.

• Oven Transformation

Bake until edges are golden and centers remain soft, allowing the cookies to develop a perfect texture and enticing aroma.

• Cooling Celebration

Let cookies rest and cool completely, allowing flavors to settle and textures to become wonderfully tender and irresistible.

Flavor Tips for Cherry Cookies

• Cherry Cookie Customization Magic: Mix white chocolate chips instead of regular for a dreamy, creamy contrast against the pink cookie base.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top right after baking to enhance the sweet-tart cherry and chocolate combination.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Festive Decoration Idea: Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle crushed freeze-dried cherries for an elegant, gourmet touch.
• Make-Ahead Pro Tip: Prepare cookie dough balls and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months – simply add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time when ready to enjoy.

Presenting Maraschino Cherry Cookies

• Sweet Gifting Delights: Package these charming pink-hued cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons, perfect for bridal showers, Valentine's Day, or birthday celebrations.
• Cherry Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or pair with a delicate cup of chamomile tea for an elegant afternoon treat that enhances the cookie's delightful flavor profile.
• Chocolate-Cherry Decadence Platter: Create a stunning dessert presentation by arranging cookies on a white ceramic platter, strategically placing extra chocolate chips and fresh maraschino cherries around the edges for a professional, Instagram-worthy display that will impress guests.
• Festive Color Theme Entertaining: Use these pink-tinted cookies as a playful dessert centerpiece for baby showers, gender reveal parties, or breast cancer awareness events, where the soft pink hue becomes a meaningful visual element.

Storage Tips for Chewy Cherry Cookies

• Quick Chill Technique: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before baking to intensify flavor and prevent spreading.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Store unbaked cookie dough balls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Smart Storage Solution: Keep baked cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Place a piece of bread inside to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance and keep refrigerated. Let dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping and baking to ensure even texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes (per batch)

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 193 kcal

Servings: 25

Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Classic maraschino cherry delight cookies merge sweet nostalgia with simple baking techniques. Crisp edges, tender centers, and delicate cherry flavor invite bakers to create memorable treats that spark joy and connection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temp
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups (267 grams) light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish
• 1 cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries, plus extra for garnish
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp almond extract
• small amount of pink gel food coloring

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Instructions

1. Preparation Groundwork: Meticulously sift flour and whisk together with cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient foundation.
2. Butter Transformation: Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, then seamlessly blend in eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts to create a smooth, aromatic base.
3. Color and Texture Enhancement: Delicately pat maraschino cherries dry and finely dice, then infuse the dough with a soft pink gel food coloring, stirring until the hue is evenly distributed.
4. Dough Assembly: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients at low speed, creating a thick, cohesive dough. Gently incorporate chopped cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring an even dispersion of each delectable element.
5. Shaping and Positioning: Preheat the oven to 350º F (177º C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Sculpt the dough into generous spheres using a cookie scoop, strategically pressing additional chocolate chips and cherry pieces onto the surface.
6. Baking Precision: Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet with ample spacing, then bake for 10-13 minutes, vigilantly monitoring to preserve the cookies’ vibrant color and tender texture.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring a perfect, delightful treat.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Sift flour carefully and spoon into measuring cups to avoid dense, heavy cookies that can ruin the delicate texture.
• Cherry Preparation: Pat maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy or affecting overall consistency.
• Color Control: Use gel food coloring sparingly for a soft pink hue; overmixing can create uneven color and alter cookie texture.
• Baking Vigilance: Monitor cookies closely during the 10-13 minute baking window to maintain their vibrant color and prevent over-browning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (per batch)
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 193
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 87 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg