Description
These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with a sweet, fruity flavor, making them a festive treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Optional: extra sugar for rolling
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the chopped and drained maraschino cherries and the maraschino cherry juice until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll the balls in extra granulated sugar for a sparkling finish.
Step 9: Place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 10: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake to keep them soft.
Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra chewy cookies, make sure not to overbake them. They should look slightly underdone in the very center when removed from the oven. The chilling step is crucial for flavor development and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg