Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Maraschino Cherry Cookies: A Sweet and Festive Treat

Baking has always been a delightful way to bring a bit of sweetness and joy into our lives, and nothing says “sweet” quite like cherries. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s close to my heart: Maraschino Cherry Cookies. These cookies are not only bursting with the unique flavor of maraschino cherries, but they also have a festive look that makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or just a regular day when you need a bit of cheer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
• 24 maraschino cherries, halved (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is the base of your cookies, so make sure it’s well-combined.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract: Beat these into your creamy mixture until everything is thoroughly incorporated. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cherries.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.
5. Fold in the cherries: Gently mix in the chopped maraschino cherries to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
6. Shape and top the cookies: Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Press a maraschino cherry half into the center of each cookie for that beautiful, festive look.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes: Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden, which is your cue that they’re done.
8. Cool the cookies: Let them rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks. This helps them set and makes them easier to move without breaking.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
• Servings: Makes 24 cookies

These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are a wonderful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or to share with friends and family. They’re easy to make, deliciously sweet, and pretty enough to brighten up your cookie platter. Give them a try and let the sweet, distinctive flavor of maraschino cherries turn your day into something special!

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