Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies

Posted on December 17, 2025

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings together vibrant color, soft texture, and bursting cherry flavor, these maraschino cherry sugar cookies are exactly what you need. Perfect for the holidays or any festive celebration, they’re a cheerful twist on the classic sugar cookie that everyone loves.

These cookies are incredibly easy to make, filled with finely chopped maraschino cherries and flavored with almond extract for that nostalgic bakery-style taste. Best of all? The dough comes together quickly with pantry staples, and you can prep a batch in just 25 minutes.

Plus, they’re a visual treat—especially if you’re planning a cookie exchange or gifting a box of sweets. The pink hue from the cherry juice gives them a soft blush that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or even baby showers.

Want to make them extra special? Visit Pinterest’s cherry dessert ideas to explore fun decorating variations and presentation tips. For those who want to dive deeper into what makes sugar cookies so popular, check out the sugar cookie entry on Wikipedia for a historical perspective and base understanding.

Let’s get into what makes these maraschino cherry sugar cookies a standout on any dessert table!

🍒 What are maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries are sweet, preserved cherries typically used in desserts, cocktails (excluded here), and garnishes. Their bright red color and distinctive taste make them a staple in American baking, particularly during the holidays.

Originally, maraschino cherries were soaked in marasca cherry liqueur—but today, most commercial brands prepare them by soaking cherries in a brine solution, then sweetening and coloring them to perfection. Learn more about their transformation over time in the maraschino cherry entry on Wikipedia.

Unlike fresh cherries, maraschino cherries are soft, juicy, and sweet with a very mild tartness. They’re commonly found in desserts like cakes, cookies, and ice cream sundaes, and they’re the star of these cookies.

If you’ve never baked with them before, you can find them in jars at any grocery store near the ice cream toppings. Make sure to drain and chop them finely before incorporating into the dough. Also, reserve some of the cherry juice—it adds color and flavor to your cookies.

Looking for festive ways to showcase these cookies during the holidays? Check out Pinterest’s holiday cookie ideas for visually stunning inspiration.

💕 Why you’ll love these cookies

These maraschino cherry sugar cookies stand out for several reasons—and once you make them, you’ll see why they’re destined to become a favorite in your cookie recipe box.

Soft and chewy texture with bits of real cherry in every bite
Beautiful pink color thanks to cherry juice and chopped cherries
Subtle almond flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet cherries
Quick and easy recipe with basic ingredients
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

These cookies are a celebration of everything you love about baking: flavor, color, and simplicity.

Cherry almond cookies have always held nostalgic value, and these sugar cookie versions bring that same emotion with a smoother, more familiar texture. For additional inspiration, explore Pinterest’s Valentine’s Day cookies to match your cookie aesthetics to the occasion.

If you’re curious about the science of baking, this cookie guide from Wikipedia explores the various cookie types and what makes each unique.

🧂 Key ingredients and what they do

To create the perfect maraschino cherry sugar cookie, you need to understand the function of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how each element contributes to the overall texture and flavor.

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – provides structure and absorbs moisture
1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies spread slightly while baking
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – adds lightness and keeps cookies tender
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – creates richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – sweetness and slight crispiness on the edges
1 egg – binds the ingredients and adds richness
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
1/2 teaspoon almond extract – gives that classic cherry-almond combo
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained – bursts of sweet cherry flavor
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice – gives cookies their signature blush and flavor depth
Optional: Extra sugar for rolling – adds a slight crunch and sparkle

Almond extract plays a critical role here—it complements the cherry flavor and gives your cookies a bakery-style finish. Learn more about it in this almond extract Wikipedia article.

If you’re prepping a holiday spread, explore additional dessert combinations through this Pinterest board on cherry desserts to enhance your holiday cookie trays.

🍪 Step-by-step directions for perfect cookies

Follow these simple steps to make the most delicious maraschino cherry sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and maraschino cherry juice. Beat until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing.
Fold in chopped maraschino cherries using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure cherries are evenly distributed.
Optional: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar.
Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden. Centers will remain soft.
Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Want more insights on how baking powder affects texture? Check out the baking powder article on Wikipedia.

For more visual how-tos and step-by-step baking tricks, browse Pinterest’s baking tips and tricks board.

👩‍🍳 Tips for success with maraschino cherry cookies

Even a simple cookie recipe can benefit from a few expert techniques. Here’s how to elevate your cookies from good to bakery-worthy:

Drain and pat dry the cherries before chopping. Excess juice can make your dough too wet.
Chill dough for 30 minutes if it feels sticky or soft—it helps prevent overspreading.
Use parchment paper or silicone mats to keep the cookies from sticking.
Don’t overbake. Cookies should be just set and slightly golden at the edges.
Add a drop of red or pink gel food coloring if you want a deeper pink color.

If you’re fascinated by the chemistry of baking, explore this dessert entry on Wikipedia to understand how ingredients work together in sweet recipes.

🔄 Flavor variations and creative twists

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, you can get creative with these delicious variations:

Cherry almond cookies – Add 1/3 cup slivered almonds for crunch and nuttiness.
Chocolate cherry cookies – Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Cherry shortbread cookies – Omit baking soda and powder for a denser, crumbly texture.
Glazed cherry cookies – Drizzle cooled cookies with powdered sugar and cherry juice glaze.
Cherry cream cheese cookies – Mix 4 oz of softened cream cheese into the dough for richness.

Experimenting with mix-ins keeps your cookie game exciting and personalized for every occasion. Get additional ideas from Pinterest’s baking tips.

🧊 Storage and freezing guide

To keep your cookies soft and fresh, proper storage is essential:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week in a tightly sealed container.
Freezing baked cookies: Freeze in layers with parchment between, up to 2 months.
Freezing cookie dough: Roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.

Freezing the dough is a great way to prep ahead for last-minute guests or cravings.

🍽️ How to serve and pair cherry sugar cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing and presentation take them to the next level.

Serve with hot tea, milk, or coffee for a cozy dessert moment.
Stack them in gift boxes lined with parchment for holiday treats.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a cherry sundae-style dessert.
Use them on dessert platters with chocolate chip, shortbread, and peanut butter cookies.

Looking for aesthetic inspiration? Pinterest’s holiday cookie ideas can help you style and plate your cookies for a festive impact.

🚫 Common mistakes to avoid

Baking cookies can be forgiving, but a few pitfalls can affect your results:

Using too much cherry juice can make the dough too wet.
Skipping the draining step causes soggy cookies.
Overmixing the dough leads to tough cookies.
Overbaking dries them out—watch the edges, not the tops.

Avoid these and you’ll get perfect cookies every time.

📊 Nutritional information

Each cookie contains approximately:

Calories: 160 kcal
Fat: 7g
Sugar: 13g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 1g

Based on 24 cookies per batch. These are a delightful indulgence best enjoyed in moderation or shared with friends and family!

❓FAQs about maraschino cherry sugar cookies

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have a different texture and moisture level, so they won’t work the same. Stick to maraschino cherries for best results.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Not required, but it helps if the dough feels sticky or soft.

How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread—it keeps moisture in.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Mini white or dark chocolate chips go great with cherries.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How long do maraschino cherry cookies last?
Up to 5 days at room temp, 7 days in the fridge, and 2 months frozen.

🎁 Conclusion: The cookie that keeps on giving

Maraschino cherry sugar cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a vibrant, fun, and easy-to-make dessert that lights up any table. With their soft centers, chewy bites of cherry, and hint of almond, they’re irresistible whether fresh from the oven or packed in a gift box.

Feel free to tweak the recipe with your favorite mix-ins or variations. Just don’t skip the maraschino cherries—they’re the heart and soul of these charming cookies.

Whether you’re baking for holidays, birthdays, or just because, these cookies are sure to leave a lasting impression. So go ahead—whip up a batch today and see just how delightful cherry sugar cookies can be!