These cherry cookies have a soft, buttery texture. They resemble shortbread and taste better with maraschino cherries and a touch of sweet almond. Their charming pink hue and straightforward preparation make them a delightful cherry sugar cookie choice for any celebration.
These cherry cookies recipe is delightfully simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients. Its Flexibility allows endless personalization, from adding chocolate chips to experimenting with spices, making it perfect for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Why Cherry Cookies Are the Perfect Treat
Cherry cookies are the perfect treat, blending sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. Their bright cherry flavor and smooth texture make them perfect for parties, casual snacks, or a cozy treat.
A Burst of Flavor
The beauty of these cookies lies in their flavor. Fresh cherries bring a juicy sweetness, while dried cherries add a concentrated tangy punch. This fun contrast creates a lively taste experience. Every bite of these cookies is an explosion of flavor and joy.
Versatile for Any Occasion
Cherry cookies are delightfully versatile, effortlessly fitting into any occasion. These cherry cookies are perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy them at a holiday gathering, a cozy tea party, or just as a sweet treat. They bring joy and flavor to every moment.
Kid-Friendly and Easily Customize
Easy cherry cookies are a kid-friendly delight, perfect for little hands to help create and enjoy. You can easily customize these treats to fit your taste. Add chocolate chips, crunchy nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make them even better.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Cherry Cookies
Crafting the perfect batch of soft and chewy cookies starts with the right balance of flavors and textures. Think buttery richness, a hint of almond sweetness, and delightful cherry bursts in every bite.
Essential Ingredients
Crafting the perfect cookies starts with top-notch ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with ½ cup of almond flour for a delicate texture, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to enhance flavor.
Cream 1 cup of unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until fluffy. Add 1 tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract for depth. Finally, fold in ½ cup of chopped maraschino cherries for vibrant sweetness.
Optional Add-Ins
Elevate your cookies with optional add-ins that bring a burst of flavor and texture. Sprinkle in chocolate chips for a touch of decadence, chopped almonds for a nutty crunch, or coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
These simple additions change the cookies into a special treat. They are great for pleasing your taste buds and adding fun variety to each batch. Whether you prefer decadent chocolate chips or subtle almond undertones, these extras make each bite memorable.
Equipment Checklist
Having the right tools on hand ensures your baking process is smooth and enjoyable. This equipment checklist will help you prepare the perfect batch of cookies with ease and precision:
1. Mixer: A stand mixer equipped with a paddle or an electric hand mixer with whisks.
2. Cookie Scoop (Optional): Small scoop (1 tablespoon or 15ml).
3. Baking Sheets: 2 cookie or baking sheets.
4. Parchment Paper: 2 sheets.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cherry Cookies
Creating the perfect cherry cookies is easier than you think. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake flavorful, appealing cookies:
Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure even baking. While the oven warms, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step stops sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Proper preparation sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies.
Begin by chopping your cherries into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the dough. Gather all the ingredients—flour, butter, sugar, extracts, and more. Having everything measured and ready simplifies the process and keeps your baking organized and stress-free.
Mixing the Dough
To prepare the perfect dough, start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until they become smooth and fluffy.
Add cherry juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract, blending until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until they are just combined. Fold in chopped cherries gently, ensuring the dough retains its soft texture.
Shaping and Baking
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of a cookie dough and roll them gently into uniform shapes. Place them on lined baking sheets, ensuring space for spreading. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Cool slightly before savoring these delightful cherry cookies.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, transfer the cherry cookies to a cooling rack and let them reach room temperature. Their texture becomes perfectly chewy as they cool. For a decorative twist, drizzle icing or sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Serve these delightful cherry cookies and watch them disappear in no time.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cherry Cookies
Choosing the Best Cherries
Selecting the right cherries is key to perfect cookies. Use fresh cherries for a juicy, vibrant flavor that is ideal for summer baking. Opt for dried cherries when seeking a concentrated tangy sweetness, especially during the off-season. Both choices offer unique textures and elevate your cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
For soft and chewy cookies, bring ingredients like butter to room temperature and avoid overmixing the dough. To achieve a slightly crumbly texture, chill the dough before baking—it prevents excessive spreading. To achieve crispy cookies, bake them a few minutes longer and make sure you fully preheat your oven. Use a cookie scoop for evenly shaped results.
Storage Tips
To keep your cherry cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents them from drying out and preserves their soft, chewy texture. When stored correctly, these tasty cherry cookies stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. You can savor them anytime you’re craving something sweet.
Flavor Variations
Take your cherry cookies to the next level with delightful variations. For a decadent twist, mix ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough before folding in the cherries.
You can make a sweet cherry glaze. Just mix cherry juice and powdered sugar together. Then, drizzle it over cooled cherry cookies for a bright finish.
FAQ About Cherry Cookies
Can I Use Frozen Cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries to make cherry cookies! Thaw the cherries and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before chopping. This prevents the dough from becoming too wet and ensures your cherry cookies bake to perfection.
How Can You Stop Cookies from Spreading?
To prevent cookies from spreading, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the butter, maintaining the cookie’s shape. Always bake on parchment paper for even heat distribution and to keep the cookies from sticking.
How Long Do Cherry Cookies Last?
Cherry cookies stay fresh for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For more extended storage, freeze the fully cooled cherry cookies in a freezer-safe container, where they’ll remain delicious for up to two months.
Are There Gluten-Free Options?
For a gluten-free version, use a good gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum to help maintain its structure. Almond flour, naturally gluten-free, can remain in the recipe. These adjustments ensure your cherry cookies stay delicious while catering to dietary needs.
Cherry Cookies Recipe
Course: Dessert32
Cookies13
minutes12
minutes5
minutes30
minutesBake these soft and chewy cherry cookies for a delightful treat bursting with fruity flavor. Perfect for any occasion or snack craving.
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g)
Almond Flour: ½ cup (56g)
Salt: ¼ teaspoon
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g), at room temperature
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g)
Maraschino Cherry Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon
Maraschino Cherries: ½ cup, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, blend the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt together until they are thoroughly mixed. Keep it aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or using an electric hand mixer with beaters. Beat the room-temperature butter and sugar together at medium speed until well combined, about 3–4 minutes. Mix in the cherry juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until just included. Wrap the dough and place it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- After 30 minutes, scoop about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. A small cookie scoop works well for even portions.
- Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for 3 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before enjoying them.
