In the vibrant whirl of holiday festivities, a sweet aroma wafts from the kitchen—the kind that makes you pause and reminisce. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies, a delightful twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies that captures the spirit of celebration in every bite. With just 10 minutes of prep time, these cookies are not only quick and easy to make but also perfect for impressing friends and family. Imagine chewy chocolate chips mingling with juicy maraschino cherries, creating a colorful treat that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, you can easily whip up a gluten-free version to ensure everyone can indulge. Curious to dive into this festive baking adventure? Let’s get started!
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?
Festive Colors: Vibrant pink hues from maraschino cherries make these cookies visually stunning, perfect for any celebration.
Quick Prep: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delightful dessert in no time—ideal for last-minute gatherings!
Unique Flavor: The combination of creamy chocolate chips and sweet cherries creates a distinctive flavor that everyone will love.
Versatile Options: Easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free flour or incorporating nuts for added crunch—catering to all dietary needs!
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to be a hit, whether served alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or as a sweet treat at holiday parties. Try pairing them with some Soft Maple Cookies for an indulgent dessert spread!
Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Cornstarch – Adds a touch of softness; can be omitted for simplicity.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise; no substitutions needed.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness, making each bite just right.
For the Flavor
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Introduces a sweet indulgence; swap for white chocolate for a different flavor dimension.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness; ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Light Brown Sugar – Brings moisture and a rich taste; dark brown sugar can deepen the flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness; adjust according to your preference.
• Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together flawlessly; use at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – The cornerstone of flavor; no substitutes are recommended.
• Almond Extract – Adds a unique touch; omit if you prefer a classic cookie profile.
• Pink Gel Food Coloring – Enhances the cookies’ visual appeal; avoid liquid food coloring for the best results.
• Maraschino Cherries – The star ingredient; drain and finely chop to prevent excess moisture.
Optional Add-Ins
• Nuts (e.g., Walnuts or Pecans) – Adds a delightful crunch for those who love texture.
• Spices (e.g., Cinnamon or Nutmeg) – Infuse warmth and character to the cookies, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies from sticking. This simple preparation step will make baking and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly for about 1 minute until well blended, ensuring an even distribution of the leavening agent. This mixture forms the foundation for your cookie dough, ensuring a delightful texture in every bite.
Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a creamy texture. This step is crucial for incorporating air into your dough, leading to soft, chewy Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the large egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and pink gel food coloring to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat the mixture on medium speed until everything is fully combined and the color is uniform, about 1 minute. The vibrant hue from the food coloring will start to define your cookies, enhancing their festive appeal.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing at low speed until a thick dough forms. This process should take about 1-2 minutes; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky, ready to embrace the sweet bursts of cherry and chocolate.
Step 6: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough using a spatula. Make sure each piece is evenly distributed without breaking the cherries, which will provide delightful surprises in each Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookie. This is where flavor and texture come together beautifully.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and shape it into balls, placing them on your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each ball, as they will spread while baking. If desired, press extra cherries and chocolate chips on top of each ball to enhance their appearance and flavor before baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 13 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should become golden brown while the centers remain soft to create the perfect chewy texture. The sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen will surely be irresistible!
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling on the sheet retains their moisture, ensuring your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies stay soft and chewy.
Step 10: Enjoy and Share
After transferring the cookies to the wire rack, let them cool completely before indulging. These festive treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends at celebrations, paired alongside a warm beverage. Remember, sharing just makes them taste even sweeter!
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft, chewy texture. Keep them away from direct sunlight.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving for best taste.
Freezer: Freeze Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. For easy access, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks eager to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then refrigerating it. This way, you’ll have ready-to-bake dough on hand whenever you crave a delicious treat. To maintain their chewy texture, make sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent any drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and follow the baking instructions as directed. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy warm, delightful cookies that are just as tasty as if they were freshly made!
Expert Tips for Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature; this will help create a smooth, even dough for your cookies.
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Chill if Sticky: If the cookie dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up for easier handling.
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Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies; they should be golden at the edges but soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to dry Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
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Finely Chop Cherries: Make sure to drain and chop your maraschino cherries finely to avoid excess moisture in the dough, which could affect the texture.
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Customize Your Cookies: Don’t hesitate to explore variations; feel free to add nuts or spices to enhance the flavor profile of your sweet treats!
Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity by customizing these cookies to suit your taste preferences and celebrations!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure flour to make these treats accessible for everyone.
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Extra Cherry Punch: Boost the maraschino cherries to 1.5 cups for an even fruitier flavor and a vibrant red color in every bite!
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White Chocolate Twist: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips to create a delightful contrast against the cherries—it’s a heavenly combination.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch. The added texture brings these cookies to life with a crispy bite!
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Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor, perfect for winter festivities and holiday gatherings.
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Decorative Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles to make them pop on your dessert table.
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Mini Cookies: For bite-sized indulgence, scoop smaller portions of dough and reduce baking time—perfect for those who want to enjoy just a bit of sweetness!
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Fruity Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to enhance the flavor further, bringing a refreshing zing that complements the cherries beautifully.
For an extra festive touch, serve your cookies alongside Buttery Spritz Cookies or a warm mug of Christmas Cherry Fizz—your guests will adore the delicious variety!
What to Serve with Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Indulging in these vibrant cookies opens the door to a world of delightful pairings that will elevate your dessert experience.
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Cold Milk: The classic pairing of cookies and milk never fails. The creaminess of cold milk complements the chewy texture of the cookies perfectly.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Placing a warm cookie atop a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast of warm and cold, singing in harmony with every bite.
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Hot Cocoa: Especially during the winter months, a rich, steaming cup of hot cocoa pairs beautifully, its chocolatey depths enhancing the sweetness of the cookies.
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Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries offers a tart contrast to the sweetness, balancing the flavors while adding a refreshing element.
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Coffee or Espresso: The deep flavors of a strong cup of coffee resonate well with the sugary allure of these cookies, making for a sophisticated after-dinner treat.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer your cookies with yogurt and granola for a delightful breakfast twist. It adds a healthy crunch while keeping the deliciousness intact.
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Fruit Punch: Serve these cookies alongside a glass of sweet fruit punch at gatherings for a playful, festive flair that’s sure to delight guests.
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Nutty Trail Mix: For a fun snack plate, add some nutty trail mix. The variety of flavors and textures will beautifully contrast with the cookies’ chewy delight.
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Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Incorporating chocolate-dipped pretzels on your dessert table provides a salty-sweet contrast that makes every bite an adventure.
These combinations invite warm gatherings and joyful celebrations, making your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies the centerpiece of your delightful indulgence.
Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best maraschino cherries for my cookies?
For the best flavor and texture, choose high-quality maraschino cherries that are bright in color and firm in texture. Look for brands that use natural coloring rather than artificial dyes. Be sure to drain them well and finely chop to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the dough.
What’s the best way to store Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I freeze Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze these delightful cookies, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for a quick 10-15 seconds, or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Why are my cookies turning out dry or crumbly?
Dry cookies often result from overbaking or incorrect measurements. Ensure you measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour. Watch your cookies closely during baking; they should appear golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
What if I want to make these cookies gluten-free?
No problem! For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure flour. This will allow everyone to savor the deliciousness of your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies without compromising on flavor or texture.
Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
If you’re making these cookies for someone with allergies, always check the ingredients. The cookies contain gluten (unless using gluten-free flour), butter, and eggs. If you are looking for a dairy-free version, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine.
Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies for Joyful Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt for about 1 minute.
- In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and pink gel food coloring to the mixture and beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing at low speed until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips evenly using a spatula.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Allow to cool completely before enjoying and sharing.
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