Maraschino Cherry Cookies: The Easiest Valentine’s Day Treat!

Maraschino Cherry Cookies! Just the words conjure up memories of childhood glee, sneaking extra candied cherries when Nonna wasn’t looking. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a taste of pure, unadulterated joy. Our Maraschino Cherry Cookies recipe is a tribute to simple pleasures, perfect for brightening any day, especially Valentine’s Day. We’re so excited to share this delightful treat with you. 

Why You Will Love This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are the definition of a cozy, easy cookie recipe. They’re quick to make, bursting with sweet cherry treats, and incredibly comforting. Lucia always says, “A cookie can solve almost any problem,” and we think she might be right, especially when these cherry cookies dessert are involved!

What makes this recipe special? It’s the little bits of candied cherry in every bite, creating a burst of flavor that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. It’s also a fairly foolproof recipe, even brand new bakers will find these easy to master. We remember Teresa struggling with her first batch of biscotti! These are definitely easier.

We remember making these around Valentine’s Day for our grandchildren. The pink color and sweet flavor made them feel extra special. We love how food can make lasting memories. So come on, let’s get baking and create some new memories together.

Ingredients Needed for This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful sweet cherry treats:

• For the Cookies:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended!)
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice (reserved from jar)
* 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, patted dry

• For the Glaze (optional):

* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice

How to Make This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Before we get started, don’t forget to check out our other favorite cookie recipes! You might enjoy our Almond Cherry Cookies for a nutty variation or try our Baileys Irish Cream Cookies 2 for a fun, adult-friendly treat! And if it’s close to St. Patrick’s Day, St Patricks Day Cookies are always a hit.

Okay, time to create these easy cookie recipe cookies!

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
4. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. 6. Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and chopped maraschino cherries. The dough will be slightly pink.
7. 7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
8. 8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake – you want them to stay soft.
9. 9. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze (if using). In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and maraschino cherry juice until smooth.
11. 11. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.

This maraschino cherry cookies recipe is really easy if you follow these steps!

How to Serve This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

These cherry cookies dessert are perfect as is, but feel free to get creative!

• Pairing: Serve with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Topping: Besides the glaze, you could sprinkle the cookies with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or colorful sprinkles.
• Plating: Arrange the cookies on a pretty serving platter for a festive touch.

How to Store This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Keep these sweet cherry treats fresh with these simple storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Not necessary! These are best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled from the refrigerator.
• Shelf Life: At room temperature, these cookies will stay good for a couple of days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Tips to Make This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your Maraschino Cherry Cookies turn out perfectly:

• Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute butter with margarine, but the flavor may be slightly different. You can use any food extracts you want to change up the flavor.
• Success Tips: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Pat the maraschino cherries dry to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Overbaking the cookies will make them dry.
• Pro Tip: For a more intense cherry flavor, add a few drops of maraschino cherry extract to the dough.

Helpful Notes for This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Some extra clarifications about this easy cookie recipe:

• Maraschino Cherries: Make sure to pat them dry before adding them to the dough, or they may sink to the bottom.
• Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor instead of imitation vanilla extract.
• Equipment Recommendation: A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar easier.

Variation of This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun variations:

• Seasonal Twists: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive fall flavor. For Christmas, dip the cookies in white chocolate and add red and green sprinkles.
• Optional Version: Add chocolate chips for a cherry chocolate chip cookie.
• Creative Modifications: Instead of glaze, top the cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Follow us on Pinterest for more exciting cookie ideas!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making these delightful Maraschino Cherry Cookies as much as we do! This easy cookie recipe is a little piece of our heart that we are sharing with your home and family. These are perfect for Valentine’s Day and we hope you treat someone you love to some Maraschino Cherry Cookies! Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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