🍒✨ Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
Soft, buttery sugar cookies dotted with sweet cherry bites and a hint of almond
These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are everything you love about classic sugar cookies—with a colorful, nostalgic twist. Tender, buttery dough is studded with bright red maraschino cherries, creating cookies that are lightly crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, Valentine’s Day treats, baby showers, or anytime you want a cheerful cookie that stands out, these cookies bake up beautifully and look just as good as they taste.
🛒 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
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2¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
Mix-Ins
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¾ cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and finely chopped
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1 tablespoon cherry juice (optional, for extra flavor and color)
Optional Toppings
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Extra chopped cherries
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Coarse sugar or sanding sugar
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Powdered sugar glaze
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries very well. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then finely chop. This step is crucial to prevent soggy cookies.
Set aside.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This creates the soft, tender texture sugar cookies are known for.
4️⃣ Add Egg & Flavorings
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cherry juice (if using). Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.