Name: Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, salted; ¾ cup white sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 36 maraschino cherries, chopped into quarters and eighths

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 40 reviews

If you adore soft, flavorful cookies that burst with cheerful pops of color and fruity sweetness, then you are going to love this Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe. These almond-kissed delights, studded with luscious maraschino cherries and creamy white chocolate chips, bring a perfect balance of rich, buttery softness and bright cherry charm in every bite. They’re incredibly easy to make but taste like something straight from a bakery, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear bowl filled with white flour in the back left, and next to it are six small white bowls holding light brown sugar, white sugar, white chocolate chips, and a mix of baking powder and salt. Two white eggs lie in front near the center. A bowl with bright red cherries is in the middle. On the right side, a white bowl contains two sticks of pale yellow butter. Two small dark bottles of vanilla and almond extract are placed near the front left. The ingredients are brightly lit, showing clear textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started is a breeze because the ingredients for this Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe are pantry staples you likely already have. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor—you’ll find buttery richness, just the right sweetness, and the nutty almond essence that complements the cherries beautifully.

1 cup butter (salted): Provides the rich, creamy base and keeps the cookies tender.
¾ cup white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies a slight crunch on top.
½ cup brown sugar: Offers moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and make the cookies soft and chewy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, familiar note.
1 teaspoon almond extract: Infuses the cookies with a lovely nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with cherries.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, ensuring they hold their shape while staying soft.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies the right amount of rise and lightness.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
1 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy pockets of sweetness for indulgence.
36 maraschino cherries: The star ingredient, chopped to give bursts of juicy, colorful goodness.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cherries

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, chop your maraschino cherries into quarters and eighths—mixing it up a little with sizes helps create delightful bursts of flavor. Don’t forget to pat them dry on a paper towel to remove excess moisture so your cookies won’t be too wet or sticky.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter together with both white and brown sugars on high speed for about 2 minutes. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the mix, making your cookies wonderfully light and soft. Scrape down the sides to make sure everything mixes evenly.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the eggs along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat everything for an additional minute until fully combined. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies their unique, mouthwatering aroma that hints at the cherry inside.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix here—gentle folding keeps your cookies tender rather than tough or dense.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and White Chocolate Chips

Finally, gently fold in your chopped maraschino cherries along with the white chocolate chips. This part should be done carefully and briefly to prevent crushing the cherries and to keep the chips evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Scoop the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges are set and the tops turn matte and lightly golden. Resist the urge to overbake to keep them soft and melt-in-your-mouth.

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

The image shows nine round cookies arranged in three rows on a white baking paper with a white marbled surface underneath. Each cookie is light golden brown and has a soft, slightly bumpy texture with small white chunks and bright red pieces evenly mixed throughout. The cookies appear thick and slightly flat with a few cracks and folds on their tops. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are show-stoppers on their own, but if you want to dress them up a bit, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or adding a small drizzle of melted white chocolate. Placing a whole maraschino cherry on top of each cookie before baking can create a charming visual touch, too.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of fragrant tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also work wonderfully alongside vanilla ice cream or a simple fruit compote if you’re serving them as a dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifts, arrange your Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with colorful napkins or wrap them up in a pretty tin with tissue paper. If you want to take it a step further, sandwich two cookies with a smear of cherry jam or cream cheese frosting for an irresistible treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and tasty for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy a little sweetness whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead in larger batches, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven without thawing—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This melts the white chocolate chips just right and revives the tender texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a different moisture content and flavor profile, so they might not give you the same sweet, tangy pop that maraschino cherries add. If you try fresh cherries, be sure to remove extra moisture so your cookies don’t turn out soggy.

What if I’m allergic to almonds?

You can simply omit the almond extract or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. The cookies will still be delicious, though you’ll miss that unique almond note that pairs so well with cherries.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?

Definitely! Switching to dark chocolate chips adds a richer, slightly bitter contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cherries. It’s a delicious twist if you prefer less sweetness.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is not melted and the dough is chilled if you find the cookies tend to spread excessively. Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat also helps keep their shape intact during baking.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and it should work fine. Just be sure to check the blend’s instructions for any additional adjustments.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe a try soon. They are one of those feel-good baked goods that bring smiles with every bite. Soft, fruity, and slightly nutty, these cookies make a perfect companion for your next cozy get-together or a sweet moment of indulgence all to yourself. Happy baking!