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
Scale
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.
