Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe: Simple and Delicious Flavorful Treat

Welcome to a world of sweetness and nostalgia with these delightful Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies! Bursting with the vibrant hues and flavors of maraschino cherries, these cookies are a true delight for both the eyes and the taste buds. Soft, tender, and adorned with pops of cherry goodness, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Crafted with pantry staples and a jar of ruby red cherries, these cookies are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for festive occasions or simple sweet cravings. With a hint of almond extract adding a touch of bakery charm, these cookies are a testament to the joy that baking can bring. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday cookie tray or a cozy tea-time treat, these Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are bound to spread smiles and spark conversations.

Bringing a touch of celebration to every bite, these cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re indulging in them at a party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are a delightful reminder of the simple pleasures that homemade treats can bring. So, go ahead, bake up a batch of these charming cookies and let their color and flavor brighten up your day!

Quick Benefits

• Beautiful color and festive appearance, perfect for special occasions and holidays
• Soft, tender texture with pops of cherry and a hint of almond for a delightful flavor combination
• Easy to make with pantry staples and maraschino cherries, making them a go-to recipe for quick, impressive baking
• Versatile – can be customized with different cherries, extracts, and decorations for a variety of flavors and looks

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe: Simple and Delicious Flavorful Treat Recipe

• Colorful and Festive: These cookies bring a joyful burst of color to any occasion, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or care packages.
• Easy to Make: The recipe uses pantry basics and a jar of maraschino cherries, making it a quick and fuss-free baking option.
• Soft and Tender: The cookies are soft, tender, and packed with pops of cherry flavor and a hint of almond, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Family Favorite: They quickly became a hit at family gatherings and are a crowd-pleaser, often becoming the most requested treat at parties.
• Nostalgic: The use of maraschino cherries can evoke nostalgic memories, such as those of the baker’s grandmother, adding a sentimental touch to the baking process.
• Versatile: The cookies can be adapted for different occasions by using different types of cherries or decorating them with various sugars, making them a versatile treat.
• Freezer-Friendly: The dough can be shaped into balls, frozen, and baked from frozen, providing a convenient option for last-minute guests or whenever a sweet treat is needed.
• Pairing Suggestions: The cookies pair well with various beverages or can be turned into sandwich cookies, offering versatility in serving options.

Ingredients for Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe: Simple and Delicious Flavorful Treat

Dry Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and well drained
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Garnish

• Red sanding sugar or powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

Pro Tips for Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe: Simple and Delicious Flavorful Treat

To ensure your Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly soft and flavorful, remember to use softened butter for a smooth dough texture. It’s essential not to overbake the cookies to maintain their tender texture and lovely pink hue. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack for the best results.

For an extra burst of cherry flavor, be sure to include the almond extract in the recipe. This extract not only enhances the cherry taste but also adds a delightful nutty undertone to the cookies. If you prefer a more subtle sweetness, you can omit the decorative sugars on top. To store these cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to preserve their freshness. If you want to have these cookies ready for unexpected guests, shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and bake straight from frozen with an additional 2-3 minutes of baking time.

How to Make Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe: Simple and Delicious Flavorful Treat

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisk until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Mix the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cherry juice until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture gradually, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 6: Fold In Cherries

Use a spatula to gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Portion the Dough

Use a level tablespoon to scoop dough, roll between palms if necessary, and place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and centers appear soft but not wet.

Step 9: Cool and Garnish

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, decorate cooled cookies with red sanding sugar or powdered sugar.

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Storage Tips

Once your Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are baked and cooled, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Place the cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and tender for up to four days at room temperature. If you need to layer the cookies, make sure to place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, you can freeze the fully cooled cookies in a freezer bag. Squeeze out any extra air before sealing the bag, and the cookies will stay fresh for up to two months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for a quick and easy treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet snack, storing your Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies properly will help preserve their delicious flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different cherry flavor, you can opt for chopped, drained jarred Morello cherries as a substitute for maraschino cherries. This will provide a unique twist to the cookies while still delivering a delicious cherry taste. Additionally, fresh cherries can be used if pitted and chopped, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ from the maraschino cherries stated in the original recipe.

For those who do not enjoy the taste of almond or have nut allergies, you can omit the almond extract without compromising the overall outcome of the cookies. This modification will result in a slightly different flavor profile, but the cookies will still be soft, tender, and filled with cherry goodness. Moreover, if you prefer a more subtle sweetness, you can choose to skip the red sanding sugar or powdered sugar garnish. This adjustment will cater to those who prefer a less sweet cookie while still enjoying the cherry-infused goodness.

Serving Suggestions

These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are perfect for a festive cookie swap or a special treat for your loved ones. For an elegant presentation, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of cream cheese frosting in between. The combination of the sweet cherry flavor and the creamy frosting creates a delightful cookie sandwich that is sure to impress at any gathering.

For a fun twist, try rolling the cookie dough balls in pastel sanding sugar for a gentle spring look or sparkling sugar for a frosted winter vibe. These cookies are versatile and can be customized for any occasion, making them a must-have recipe in your baking repertoire.

FAQs for Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe: Simple and Delicious Flavorful Treat

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries in this recipe?

Fresh cherries can be used, but the flavor and texture will be different from maraschino cherries, altering the taste of the cookies.

How long can I store these maraschino cherry sugar cookies?

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To maintain freshness for longer, freeze the fully cooled cookies in a freezer bag for up to two months.

Can I skip using almond extract in the recipe?

Yes, you can omit almond extract for those who do not like nuts. However, note that it adds a bakery note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough by shaping it into balls, freezing them solid on a tray, and then transferring them to a ziptop bag. You can bake the cookies directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. The baked cookies also freeze well for future consumption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are not just a delightful treat, but also a nostalgic nod to the past and a celebration of the present moment. The vibrant color, the burst of cherry flavor, and the soft, tender texture make these cookies a perfect addition to any gathering or as a sweet surprise for loved ones. Whether you follow the recipe to a tee or add your own personal twist, these cookies are bound to bring joy and smiles wherever they go.

So, next time you’re in the mood for baking something special, why not whip up a batch of these Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies? Whether it’s for a holiday celebration, a cozy family gathering, or just a quiet moment of self-indulgence, these cookies are sure to brighten up any occasion. Share them with friends, savor them with a cup of tea, or simply enjoy them all to yourself – the choice is yours. Let the sweet aroma and charming pink hue of these cookies remind you that life is full of simple pleasures waiting to be savored.

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Cherry Sugar Cookies Recipe: Simple and Delicious Flavorful Treat

Soft and tender Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies with pops of cherry and almond, a festive treat that’s easy to make.

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Prep Time20 min

Cook Time12 min

Total Time32 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings36 Servings (Approximately 36 cookies)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and well drained
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Garnish

• Red sanding sugar or powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisk until well blended.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Mix the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cherry juice until smooth and well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture gradually, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Fold In Cherries: Use a spatula to gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed.
7. Portion the Dough: Use a level tablespoon to scoop dough, roll between palms if necessary, and place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and centers appear soft but not wet.
9. Cool and Garnish: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, decorate cooled cookies with red sanding sugar or powdered sugar.