Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Maraschino Cherry Cookies: A Sweet Taste of Nonna’s Love

Maraschino Cherry Cookies! Oh, these delightful Maraschino Cherry Cookies bring such a smile to our faces, a sweet memory from many Sundays past. Here at Nonna’s Dishes, we believe every recipe tells a story, and this one whispers of festive gatherings, happy chatter, and the simple joy of a homemade treat. Picture it: a special occasion, maybe a birthday or just a day when we wanted to bring a little extra cheer to the table. These vibrant, tender cookies, studded with bright red cherries, were always a favorite. They are a true embodiment of sweet cherry treats, perfect for sharing a moment of warmth and tradition with those you love.

Why You Will Love This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

You will absolutely adore this maraschino cherry cookies recipe because it embodies everything we cherish about baking: comfort, ease, and incredible flavor. These cookies are wonderfully soft, with a delicate chewiness and that unmistakable pop of sweet cherry in every bite. They come together quickly, making them a perfect easy cherry cookie recipe for busy afternoons or when you need a little pick me up. Maria remembers making these with her granddaughter, little Sofia, who just loved helping to stir in the bright red cherries. It is a simple pleasure, yet so deeply satisfying, bringing a touch of festive cheer to any day. They truly are a delightful cherry cookies dessert that brightens spirits and taste buds alike.

 

Ingredients Needed for This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these wonderful homemade cherry cookies. This maraschino cherry cookies recipe uses simple pantry staples, ensuring you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes!

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, well drained and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
• For the Glaze:

* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice

 

How to Make This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Making this maraschino cherry cookies recipe is a joy, a simple process that yields truly delightful sweet cherry treats. Follow these steps, and you will have beautiful homemade cherry cookies in no time.

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°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. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. 3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. 4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. 6. Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and the 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. 7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. 8. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look a little soft.
9. 9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10. While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice until smooth.
11. 11. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over each one. Let the glaze set before storing.

How to Serve This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are perfect for so many occasions. Serve them as a lovely cherry cookies dessert after a Sunday meal, alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. They make a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter, thanks to their vibrant color and irresistible flavor. For a special touch, arrange them artfully on a serving dish, perhaps garnished with a whole maraschino cherry on top of the glaze. They are also wonderful packed in a pretty box as a homemade gift for friends and family, spreading a little bit of Nonna’s love.

How to Store This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

To keep your Maraschino Cherry Cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Once the glaze has fully set, store these homemade cherry cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookies (unglazed is best for freezing). Place them in an airtight freezer safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and then glaze before serving.

Tips to Make This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Achieving perfect Maraschino Cherry Cookies is easy with a few helpful hints. Always make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted, for the best creamy texture. Draining the maraschino cherries very well is crucial to prevent your dough from becoming too wet; you can even pat them dry with a paper towel. Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this can result in tough cookies. For an extra pop of flavor, try adding a tiny pinch of lemon zest to the dough. These simple tricks ensure your easy cherry cookie recipe turns out beautifully every time.

Helpful Notes for This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

When preparing your Maraschino Cherry Cookies, remember a few extra details for the best results. The quality of your vanilla and almond extracts can truly elevate the flavor, so use good ones! We prefer using a sharp chef’s knife to finely chop the cherries for an even distribution in the dough. Using parchment paper on your baking sheets is a nonna approved tip that ensures easy removal and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze. We always recommend using a kitchen scale to measure your flour for the most accurate results, but if you are scooping, make sure to spoon and level the flour.

Variation of This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

This versatile maraschino cherry cookies recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste or the season. For a festive touch, dip half of the cooled, unglazed cookies in melted white chocolate before applying the cherry glaze. You could also experiment with different extracts, like a hint of orange zest or a touch of coconut extract, to complement the cherry flavor. Some nonnas like to add finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch in their sweet cherry treats. For a more intense cherry flavor, consider using cherry emulsion instead of or in addition to extract.

FAQs About This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for this easy cherry cookie recipe?
A: While fresh cherries are wonderful, they have a much higher water content and a different flavor profile. This maraschino cherry cookies recipe is specifically designed for maraschino cherries. Using fresh cherries would significantly alter the texture and flavor, requiring adjustments to the recipe.
Q: My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?
A: Cookies often spread too much if the butter was too warm or melted, if there was too much liquid (ensure your cherries are very well drained!), or if you did not measure your flour correctly. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can often help prevent excessive spreading with homemade cherry cookies.
Q: Can I make the dough for these cherry cookies dessert ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. When you are ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.

Conclusion

We hope these Maraschino Cherry Cookies bring a little slice of Nonna’s kitchen right into your home. This easy cherry cookie recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it is a way to share joy, create new memories, and keep the tradition of homemade goodness alive. We encourage you to gather your loved ones, bake a batch of these beautiful homemade cherry cookies, and savor every bite. Please let us know if you try this Maraschino Cherry Cookies recipe; we would love to hear from you!