Cherry Cookies

These soft drop cherry cookies are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up when you’re looking for something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon cup of coffee or tea. This delectable cherry dessert is quick to make, doesn’t require any chilling and can be finished and baked in less than an hour. Simply beat the ingredients together, drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown.

Ingredients for Cherry Cookies

• Brown sugar: Brown sugar not only sweetens these cookies, but also helps to make the cookies softer in texture.
• Butter: Softened butter, creamed together with the brown sugar, gives these cookies with cherry a soft texture. You can quickly soften butter in a number of ways, such as with a rolling pin or a cheese grater.
• Egg: Egg, beaten into the cookies, gives them texture and depth.
• Milk: Milk helps to soften the cookies and make them more cakelike.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is the flavor enhancer for these cookies.
• All-purpose flour: The all-purpose flour creates the bulk of these cookies.
• Baking soda: Baking soda is the leavening agent in these cherry cookies.
• Maraschino cherries: Chopped and drained maraschino cherries folded into the cookie dough famously give these cherry cookies their name.
• Shredded coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut gives these cookies a unique flavor and texture.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans have a salty crunch that pairs nicely with the sweetness from all of the other ingredients in these cookies.

Taste Recipes

Directions

Step 1: Cream the sugar and butter

In a large bowl, cream the brown sugar and butter together until light and fluffy, 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 2: Beat in the rest of the ingredients

Add in the egg, milk and vanilla, and beat together until everything is combined. In another bowl, mix together the flour, salt and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the bowl, beating everything together until the mixture is creamed. Next, stir in the cherries, coconut and pecans.

Step 3: Bake until golden brown

Taste Recipes

Drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Remove the cookies to a wire rack and cool.

Recipe Variations

• Use fresh cherries: Prefer the taste of a fresh cherry instead of maraschino? Swap the bright red cherries with freshly cleaned and chopped cherries instead.
• Use chocolate chips: If you’re more of a chocolate and cherry kind of person, trade the sweetened coconut with mini chocolate chips as the sweet ingredient in these cookies.
• Drizzle the tops with chocolate: Or if you want the best of both worlds, drizzle the top with melted chocolate. Or perhaps a sweet vanilla glaze or cherry glaze!
• Swap vanilla extract with almond: If you’re looking for something a little different, or maybe don’t have vanilla extract on hand, add almond extract for an interesting twist on this cherry cookies recipe.

How to Store Cherry Cookies

When the cherry cookies have thoroughly cooled, store them in an airtight container. They should last up to three or four days at room temperature.

Can you freeze cherry cookies?

Yes! These cookies can be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to six months. When you’re ready to serve the maraschino cherry cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, until they are soft and easy to bite into.

Cherry Cookies Tips

Taste Recipes

Can you use different kinds of cherries?

Yes, you can substitute different types of cherries, such as candied or dried cherries for a chewy texture and a hint of tartness. Fresh cherries will work, but they will release moisture, so be sure to adjust to make up for it by reducing the amount of milk in the recipe.

Should you chill the dough for cherry cookies?

Although this recipe is easy to put together in less than hour, if you have the time, chilling the dough will help with the shape of these cookies. The cold ingredients will help retain the shape of these cookies and make them even fluffier and chewier, and they won’t spread out as much while baking.

Why are my cherry cookies dry?

You might have used too much flour in the cookies if they are dry. Be sure to measure flour accurately when baking so you don’t ruin the texture of your sweet treats.