If you have a soft spot for treats that combine fruity bursts with tender sweetness, this Cherry Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These delightful little cookies boast the perfect balance of chewy maraschino cherries and a subtle hint of almond that dances alongside vanilla, creating a flavor that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a charming homemade dessert, these cookies are as inviting to make as they are to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cherry Cookies Recipe is wonderfully simple because it relies on familiar pantry staples that come together to create an irresistible treat. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy butter creating the soft texture, to flour providing the structure, all the way to cherries packing in juicy flavor and color.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies a rich, tender crumb and helps bind the dough together smoothly.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly and helps achieve that delightful golden edge during baking.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and acts as a natural binder for a chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Delivers classic warmth and depth of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Enhances the cherry notes with a subtle nutty essence that’s truly enchanting.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough providing structure and that satisfying bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives just enough lift to keep the cookies soft yet slightly airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cookie.
- 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry): Adds bursts of juicy, vibrant color and a classic sweet cherry taste in every bite.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): Introduces a creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cherries for an extra indulgence.
How to Make Cherry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preparing your baking surface ahead of time ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off cleanly without sticking—a simple step for perfect results.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer or wooden spoon to beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the magic of tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies begins, as creaming incorporates air and creates the ideal texture base.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg along with vanilla and almond extracts until thoroughly combined. The almond extract really elevates this Cherry Cookies Recipe, giving it that signature flavor twist that makes it stand out.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine them evenly. This step helps ensure your cookies bake with consistent texture and perfect rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies soft rather than tough.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate (if using)
Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips. The cherries add juicy pops of flavor, while the white chocolate chips lend creamy sweetness, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. This timing keeps your cookies soft and chewy with a perfect texture.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully enhances the flavor and prevents them from becoming too fragile while warm.
How to Serve Cherry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider drizzling your cooled Cherry Cookies Recipe with melted white chocolate or dipping half of each cookie in it. Not only does this add a beautiful shine, but it also amps up the sweetness and makes these cookies look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon break. For a festive dessert spread, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries to complement the cherry flavor for an elegant treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cherry-studded cookies on a decorative platter lined with doilies for a charming holiday presentation. You can also package them in a pretty tin or wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon as homemade gifts that will make everyone smile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them great for planning ahead or enjoying with your morning coffee.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough before baking by scooping onto a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. This way, fresh Cherry Cookies Recipe treats are always at your fingertips.
Reheating
To warm up leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly toast them in a low oven. This will revive their softness and bring back that fresh-baked feeling with ease.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cherries for maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Dried cherries will give a more concentrated flavor and chewy texture but won’t have the same juicy burst as maraschino cherries. Just soak them a bit beforehand to soften and reduce dryness.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you’re out of almond extract, vanilla alone works fine, although the almond adds a special touch. A small amount of cherry juice concentrate could be a creative alternative to boost fruitiness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Cherry Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, keeping in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Can I omit the white chocolate chips?
Yes! The white chocolate chips are optional and the cookies remain delicious and full of flavor without them. They add creaminess but are not essential to the success of the recipe.
How do I prevent the cherries from making the dough soggy?
Patting the cherries dry thoroughly before folding them in is key. Excess moisture can alter dough consistency and baking results, so take your time to blot off as much liquid as possible.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade cookies that bring together simple ingredients with a burst of fruity charm, and this Cherry Cookies Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. Whether you make a batch for yourself or share them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic you’ll reach for again and again. So preheat that oven and get ready to bake some heartfelt joy into every bite!
Print
Cherry Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Cookies are a delightful American dessert featuring a soft and buttery dough studded with sweet maraschino cherries and optional white chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to a golden edge, these festive cookies offer a balance of fruity sweetness and creamy white chocolate, ideal for holiday treats or anytime you crave a fruity, buttery cookie.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden indicating doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Blot the cherries thoroughly to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy dough and ensuring proper cookie texture.
- For added flavor and a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies or dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate.
