Dessert

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe

BySana Jeannette December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

Introduction

Maraschino Cherry Cookies offer a delightful burst of sweet cherry flavor combined with a soft, buttery texture. These colorful treats are perfect for a festive snack or a charming dessert any time of the year.

Nine bright pink cookies with a soft, slightly chunky texture sit on a sheet of white parchment paper. Each cookie is round and thick, with visible chunks of red fruit or jelly embedded throughout. The cookies are placed in a neat 3 by 3 grid on a brown baking tray, which rests on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 tbsp butter (one stick), melted
1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg

1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp red food coloring (optional)

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

16 oz maraschino cherries, drained

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish and pour it into a medium mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add the white sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Step 5: If using, add the red food coloring and mix until evenly incorporated.

Step 6: Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Step 7: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly, then slice them into quarters or halves. Gently fold the cherries into the dough.
Step 8: Shape the dough into 10-12 balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Gently flatten each ball slightly.

Step 9: Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, then remove them from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense cherry flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cherry extract.
Use fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer less sweetness and a different texture, adjusting the sugar to taste.

For a festive look, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in a microwave or enjoy at room temperature.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds eight bright pink cookies with a soft, slightly bumpy texture, each showing darker pink or red swirls and spots that look like pieces of fruit or jelly inside. The cookies are somewhat thick and unevenly shaped, arranged close together with one cookie held above the plate by a woman's hand with light pink nail polish. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but make sure to pit and chop them. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly since fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino.

Is the red food coloring necessary?

No, the food coloring is optional and mainly used to enhance the red color of the cookies. The cherries will provide natural color and flavor regardless.