If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a burst of summer in every bite, this Cherry Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to indulgence. With a soft, buttery base studded with vibrant maraschino cherries and a hint of sweetness from white chocolate chips, these cookies are simple yet extraordinary. They balance a perfect texture—soft and chewy with just enough crumb—making each bite melt in your mouth while showcasing the bright fruitiness of cherries in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cherry Cookies Recipe is carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavor and texture. From the richness of butter to the sweetness of granulated sugar, and the juicy pop of maraschino cherries, each element plays an essential role in making these cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides a creamy richness and tender crumb essential for soft cookies.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds the perfect level of sweetness and helps cookies brown beautifully.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The sturdy foundation creating structure in your cookies.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Gives just enough lift for a light and fluffy bite.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the cookie’s flavor.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (¾ cup, drained and patted dry): The star ingredient, lending vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor.
- White chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): Adds creamy, sweet pockets that complement the cherries perfectly.
How to Make Cherry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies will have that perfect tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and cohesive. These ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor, giving your cookies that irresistible homemade quality.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix will give your cookies structure while seasoning them perfectly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop once everything is nicely blended.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and White Chocolate Chips
Now, carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. Make sure the cherries are well drained and patted dry to prevent extra moisture from making the dough soggy.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop dollops of dough and place them about two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cherry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, consider drizzling the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or dipping half of each cookie in chocolate, then letting them set. A sprinkle of finely chopped cherries on top can also add a pretty, festive touch that makes these cookies pop visually and taste even better.
Side Dishes
Cherry cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. They’re perfect for afternoon snack time or as a sweet ending to any meal. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to enhance the fruity theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cherry Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter layered with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a stunning presentation. You can also sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist that makes them even more irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cherry cookies stay fresh for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they maintain their softness and the cherries don’t dry out, so every bite remains as delightful as the first.
Freezing
To enjoy Cherry Cookies Recipe later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature for a fresh-baked taste anytime you crave them.
Reheating
Warm your cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This step brings back softness and enhances the flavors, making them taste freshly baked when you’re ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll want to dry them thoroughly and possibly chop them smaller since fresh cherries have more moisture, which can affect the cookie texture. Maraschino cherries are preferred for their sweetness and firmness.
Are white chocolate chips necessary?
White chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended as they add a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cherries. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit them or substitute with nuts for added crunch.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Also, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help maintain the cookie shape and prevent excessive spreading.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure to check if the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the cookie’s texture.
What’s the best way to keep the cherries from making the dough wet?
Drain the maraschino cherries very well and pat them dry with paper towels before folding them into the dough. This simple step helps keep your cookie dough from becoming soggy and preserves the ideal texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cherry Cookies Recipe that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for an everyday treat or a festive occasion, these cookies bring cheerful color, wonderfully juicy bursts of cherry, and a comforting softness that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen—so grab your ingredients and get ready to make some delicious memories!
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 blend of sweet maraschino cherries and optional white chocolate chips, creating a festive and flavorful treat perfect for holidays or any occasion. Soft and buttery with a tender crumb, these cookies are easy to make and sure to please everyone with their delightful fruity burst and subtle vanilla notes.
Ingredients
Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: 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 bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies a tender texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, making sure the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly throughout the flour.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
- Fold in cherries and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and, if using, the white chocolate chips. Make sure the cherries are dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them finish setting without becoming brittle.
Notes
- Pat the maraschino cherries dry thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture to the dough, which can affect the cookie texture.
- For a festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and allow it to set for added flavor and decoration.
