5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
6️⃣ Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and soft.
7️⃣ Shape the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 1½-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Optional: Roll dough balls in granulated or sanding sugar for sparkle.
8️⃣ Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look slightly soft. Do not overbake—these cookies should remain pale for a tender bite.
9️⃣ Cool & Finish
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze or press a small cherry piece on top while warm.
🍯 Optional Simple Glaze
Mix:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tablespoons milk or cherry juice
Drizzle over cooled cookies for extra sweetness and shine.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Cherry Sugar Cookies
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Dry the cherries well to avoid excess moisture
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Don’t overbake—they set as they cool
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Use almond extract for that classic bakery flavor
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Chill the dough for thicker cookies
🔄 Variations
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Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips
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Cherry Almond Thumbprints: Indent centers and fill with cherry preserves
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Pink Cherry Cookies: Add 1–2 drops pink food coloring
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Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Holiday cookie platters
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Tea parties or baby showers
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Valentine’s Day desserts
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Gift boxes with festive ribbon
⏱️ Time & Yield
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Chill Time: 30 minutes
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Bake Time: 12 minutes
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Total Time: ~1 hour
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Yield: 28–32 cookies
📊 Nutrition (Approximate per cookie)
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Calories: ~140 kcal
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Fat: ~7 g
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Carbohydrates: ~18 g
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Sugar: ~10 g
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Protein: ~2 g
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are soft, cheerful, and irresistibly nostalgic. With their vibrant color and sweet cherry flavor, they’re guaranteed to brighten any dessert table and disappear fast.
Once you bake them, they’ll become a new favorite holiday tradition. 🍒🍪✨