It’s that time of year again when the air is filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies, and your taste buds are screaming out for something special. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie, where the vibrant red cherries burst with flavor in every delightful mouthful. The combination of buttery dough and fruity sweetness creates a cookie experience that will make you wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably experienced the joy of baking cookies during family gatherings or holiday celebrations. Picture this: a warm kitchen filled with laughter and the clinking of mixing bowls as everyone gathers around to help roll out dough and sneak a cherry or two while no one is looking. These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights at home to festive celebrations. Get ready to create some unforgettable memories with this delicious recipe! For more inspiration, check out this strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Their delightful flavor profile combines buttery sweetness with a pop of tart cherry goodness.
- The eye-catching red cherries create a visually stunning treat that will impress anyone at your next gathering.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round or decorated for special occasions!
Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar, which helps create that perfect cookie texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crunchy exterior.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar brings moisture and depth of flavor that balances the sweet notes perfectly.
- Large Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the cookies their soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite irresistible.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cookies rise beautifully and have that lovely soft center.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie dough; use it as your base ingredient for structure.
- Maraschino Cherries: Drain these little gems before chopping them into pieces to add bursts of flavor throughout your cookies.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or unleash your inner arm wrestler by mixing it by hand – just know that you’ll get a great workout.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined; you want those flavors mingling like old friends at a reunion.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix unless you want tough cookies (and who wants that?).
Step 5: Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Try not to eat all the cherries before they make it into your cookies – I know it’s tempting!
Step 6: Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Serve these delightful Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies warm from the oven or allow them to cool down completely if you can resist – a tall glass of milk is highly recommended! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
You Must Know
- Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful mix of sweet nostalgia and festive flair.
- With vibrant red cherries peeking through, they turn any gathering into a celebration, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or simply indulging in your own happy moments.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until fluffy, then mix in the eggs and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, folding in those luscious maraschino cherries last. Bake at 350°F until edges are golden, ensuring a soft center that will melt in your mouth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous. Adding a pinch of almond extract can enhance the flavor profile, giving these cookies an extra layer of deliciousness that will have everyone begging for more.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—perfectly gooey each time!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the ultimate Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies, remember to use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Avoid overbaking; they should look slightly underdone when you take them out.
- Lastly, let them cool on the baking sheet for optimal texture.
Sometimes I whip up these cookies just to see my kids’ eyes light up—it’s like watching tiny fireworks! Their laughter fills the kitchen as we bake together, making memories sweeter than any cookie could ever be.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies?
To make Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and of course, maraschino cherries. You will also need some cherry juice from the jar to enhance the flavor. Make sure to drain and chop the cherries before adding them to your dough for a delightful burst of flavor in each cookie.
How do I store Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies?
To keep your Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week this way. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While maraschino cherries provide a distinct sweetness and color to the cookies, you can experiment with fresh cherries. Keep in mind that fresh cherries have a different texture and moisture content. Chop them finely and reduce any additional liquid in the recipe to maintain the right consistency. The flavor will be less sweet but still deliciously fruity.
What can I pair with Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies?
Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies pair well with various beverages such as milk, coffee, or tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. festive dessert option You can also crumple them over yogurt for a delightful breakfast or snack option that adds both flavor and texture.
Conclusion for Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies:
In summary, Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of sugar cookies with the unique flavor of maraschino cherries. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. savory treat to balance sweetness Remember to store them properly to maintain freshness and feel free to get creative by experimenting with different types of cherries. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious recipe!
Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a delightful fusion of soft, chewy sugar cookies and vibrant bursts of maraschino cherries. Perfect for any occasion, these visually stunning treats bring a festive flair to gatherings or cozy nights at home. With an easy-to-follow recipe, bakers of all skill levels can create these irresistible cookies that are sure to impress family and friends alike. Get ready to savor the sweetness and make lasting memories with each delicious bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (light)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie/30g
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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