When I was in the thick of a busy week, feeling the weight of quick meals and takeout, I longed for a homemade treat that could brighten my days. That’s when I stumbled upon a delightful idea—Maraschino Cherry Cookies. The sight of those vibrant little cherries always brings a smile, and they are a nostalgic reminder of childhood treats. The combination of rich, semi-sweet chocolate and sweet, juicy cherries is simply irresistible!
These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also boast a playful pop of color thanks to a drop of pink food coloring. Picture this: the moment you pull them from the oven, the aroma of vanilla and almond fills your kitchen, inviting everyone in for a warm, chewy bite. Plus, with easy-to-follow steps and ingredients that you likely already have at home, this cookie recipe transforms any ordinary evening into a festive occasion. Trust me—the joy of baking these Maraschino Cherry Cookies is matched only by the pleasure of enjoying them with friends and family!
Why are Maraschino Cherry Cookies so special?
Irresistible flavor: Combining sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips, each bite offers a delightful treat.
Colorful appeal: A drop of pink gel food coloring infuses these cookies with a fun, festive vibe.
Simple to make: With straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a baking pro to succeed.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress your guests.
Versatile enjoyment: Ideal with a glass of milk or as a sweet gift, they suit any occasion.
Baking your own treats can be as rewarding as sharing, so why not discover more delightful ideas in my post about baking delicious cookies?
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake delicious Maraschino Cherry Cookies with these essentials.
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – This provides the perfect base for structure and chew in your cookies.
- Cornstarch – A secret weapon for creating an ultra-soft and tender texture.
- Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise, ensuring they remain puffy and delightful.
- Salt – A pinch enhances all the sweet flavors, balancing the overall taste.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds a luscious touch of rich chocolate bliss in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter – The key to a soft dough, always opt for unsalted to control your salt levels.
- Light Brown Sugar – For a hint of molasses flavor and that perfect chewy texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and a lovely crisp on the edges.
- Large Eggs – Essential for binding and moisture in the cookie dough.
- Vanilla Extract – A must for that warm, comforting flavor that makes cookies special.
- Almond Extract – Adds a delightful nutty note that complements the cherries beautifully.
- Pink Gel Food Coloring (optional) – A splash of fun that amplifies the cookie’s cheerful appearance.
- Maraschino Cherries – The star ingredient that brings a sweet burst of fruity joy into each cookie.
For Serving (optional)
- Milk – Perfect for dipping and balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
- Whipped Cream – Consider a dollop on top if serving them as a dessert.
Get ready to share the magic of baking these Maraschino Cherry Cookies with your loved ones!
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies begin baking at the right temperature for that perfect texture.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Combine these dry ingredients well for even distribution throughout the dough.
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Beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This creates a creamy base that’s essential for great cookies.
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Add the large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated and you have a smooth batter ready to go.
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Fold in the pink gel food coloring gently, if using, for that cheerful touch. Next, add the finely chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Scoop out portions of dough using a cookie scoop, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
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Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-13 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for that chewy goodness.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This allows them to firm up and makes for easier handling.
Optional: Serve with a glass of cold milk to perfectly complement the sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled Maraschino Cherry Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: For extended freshness, place cookies in the fridge for up to one week. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy them anytime!
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Maraschino Cherry Cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warm and inviting.
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following these steps: after mixing all the ingredients, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes, then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, where they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have warm, delicious Maraschino Cherry Cookies anytime, just as delightful as if you made them fresh!
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Nothing complements the sweetness of these vibrant cookies like a few delightful sidekicks that enhance their flavor and charm.
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Cold Milk: The classic pairing that balances the sweetness, making every bite even more satisfying and nostalgic.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla perfectly complements the cherry and chocolate flavors, adding an indulgent touch!
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Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, a mix of seasonal fruits provides a juicy contrast to the rich cookies.
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Coffee or Tea: The warmth of a freshly brewed cup adds depth to your treat experience, enhancing the cookies’ almond and vanilla notes.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For those who love extra indulgence, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce takes these cookies to a whole new level.
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Whipped Cream: Topped on a serving plate, it adds a delightful creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookie texture.
Imagine setting your dessert table with these joyful companions, inviting everyone to dive into a sweet bite of nostalgia together!
Helpful Tricks for Maraschino Cherry Cookies
- Chilling is Key: Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes; this helps prevent spreading and gives your cookies that perfect chewy texture.
- Even Mixing: Ensure all ingredients, especially the dry ones, are well combined to avoid any lumps in your Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
- Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges while remaining soft in the center for best results.
- Storage Tips: Store baked cookies in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to maintain their softness and freshness.
- Customization: Feel free to add nuts or swap chocolate chips for different flavors, but remember to keep the core of the Maraschino Cherry Cookies!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations
Customize these cookies to suit your taste and make them uniquely yours!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the chewy texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dark chocolate chips to create a delicious dairy-free version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Colorful Fun: Add different colored gel food coloring to mix things up—vibrant blues and greens will wow any kids at the party!
- Cherry-Almond Delight: Swap out some of the vanilla extract for more almond extract to amplify that delightful nutty flavor.
- Extra Chewy: Use brown sugar only, omitting granulated sugar to enhance the chewy texture and flavor depth.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a surprising hint of heat that complements the sweet cherries beautifully.
- Fruity Fusion: Replace maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fresh twist on your delicious cookies.
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for maraschino cherries that are bright in color, without dark spots or signs of leakage. The deeper the red, the more vibrant your cookies will be. If you’re looking for a less sugary option, consider using fresh cherries, pitted and chopped, but keep in mind they might alter the texture slightly.
How can I store leftover Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
For best results, store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prolong their freshness, you can also refrigerate them in a well-sealed container for up to a week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together!
Can I freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Definitely! To freeze your cookies, allow them to cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Afterward, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very often, cookie spreading can be fixed by ensuring that your dough is properly chilled. If this happens, try adding a bit more flour, about a tablespoon at a time, to firm up the mixture. Additionally, ensure your baking sheets are cool before placing the dough on them, as hot sheets can cause the cookies to spread too quickly.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! Ensure that the maraschino cherries and other ingredients are free of allergens if you’re baking for those with dietary restrictions. For a nut-free version, make sure your extracts are nut-free as well. And if you’re considering sharing these cookies with dogs, remember that chocolate is harmful to them, so keep these delightful treats just for the humans!
Can I tweak the recipe for a different flavor?
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! You can swap out the maraschino cherries for other fruits (like dried cranberries or chocolate-dipped raisins) to suit your taste. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding a hint of orange zest or using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Just be sure to maintain the balance of wet and dry ingredients for perfect cookies every time!
Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies You’ll Love to Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture and mix until smooth.
- Fold in the pink gel food coloring gently, then add the maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Scoop out portions of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.