Cherry Drops
Cherry Drops are delightful, buttery cookies adorned with halved dried maraschino cherries, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness. These charming treats are ideal for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a simple sweet bite with afternoon tea, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the butter and confectioners sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract; beat well until incorporated.
- Stir in the flour until the dough comes together.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Decorate each with halved, dried maraschino cherries gently pressed into the dough.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using almond extract instead of vanilla. If you're out of confectioners sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine. Ensure your butter is softened for easier creaming. For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These Cherry Drops are also delightful with chopped nuts mixed into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Drops make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter alongside other treats like Chocolate Refrigerator Cookies or Spurgeon Cranberry Cookies. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. They can also be paired with a light Summer Lunch Salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Drops contains roughly 134 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries can be used, they won't provide the same sweetness and texture as maraschino cherries. If you opt for fresh, ensure they are pitted and perhaps lightly sugared to enhance their flavor and prevent excess moisture in the cookies.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to drop onto the cookie sheet, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm it up. Alternatively, you can dust your hands with a little flour while shaping the drops to avoid sticking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these Cherry Drops gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).