Are you ready to explore a delectable cookie recipe that marries the sweetness of maraschino cherries with creamy white chocolate? Maraschino cherry cookies not only captivate your taste buds but also bring a vibrant pop of color to your dessert table! In fact, did you know that sweet treats like these can improve your mood thanks to the release of dopamine in your brain? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to be a hit with friends and family alike.
Ingredients Needed
To bake your delicious maraschino cherry cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This forms the base of your cookies, providing richness and flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s overall texture.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent, helping hold the cookie together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structural component of the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Provides lift, ensuring the cookies are soft and chewy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped: The star of the show, these cherries add a burst of flavor and sweetness.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: For rich, creamy pockets of sweetness throughout.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness that complements the cherries.
Timing
This maraschino cherry cookies recipe is quick and convenient, boasting a preparation time of only 20 minutes and a baking time of 10–12 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes, which is 20% less time compared to many traditional cookie recipes. Perfect for those last-minute dessert needs!
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing to infuse the sweetness into the batter.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to combine these dry components and ensure an even rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can yield tough cookies, so be mindful!
Step 6: Fold in the Add-ins
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, white chocolate chips, and optional chopped pecans if you’re using them. This step makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
Step 7: Form the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The center may appear soft, but that’s perfect as they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 9: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Each maraschino cherry cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These figures can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes, so adjust as necessary for your dietary needs.
Healthier Alternatives for Maraschino Cherry Cookies
- Butter: Use coconut oil or applesauce to reduce saturated fats.
- Sugar: Consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to lower glycemic impact.
- Flour: Swap in whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Add-ins: Substitute dark chocolate chunks for white chocolate or add dried fruits or seeds for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cookies warm with a glass of milk, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For an aesthetically pleasing presentation, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the cooled cookies, or garnish with fresh mint leaves!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: This leads to tough cookies; mix just until combined!
- Not Measuring Ingredients: Be precise with measurements for the best results.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Don’t rush! Allow the cookies to set before moving to avoid breaking.
Storing Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 3 months for long-term storage. To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers in the container.
Conclusion
In summary, maraschino cherry cookies are a colorful and delicious treat that can brighten any day. By embracing this easy-to-follow recipe and incorporating some creative twists, you can personalize the experience and make it your own. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, try this recipe, and let us know how it turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?
You can use dried cherries or another type of fresh fruit like cranberries for a different flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar slightly, or opt for darker chocolate to balance the flavors.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Can I use frozen maraschino cherries?
No, it’s best to use the canned ones, as frozen can produce excess moisture that alters the texture.
Now, go ahead and give this recipe a try! We hope you find joy in every bite of these delightful maraschino cherry cookies!
Print
Delicious Maraschino Cherry Cookies
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful cookie recipe that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with creamy white chocolate, perfect for brightening your day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, white chocolate chips, and optional chopped pecans.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
You can substitute coconut oil for butter, or use coconut sugar to reduce glycemic impact. For added texture, consider using dried fruits or seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, dessert, maraschino cherries, white chocolate, baking, sweet treats