Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Delightful cherry-flavored cookies featuring maraschino cherries and nuts, with a crisp texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup nuts, very finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar ⓘ
Instructions
- Place shortening, vanilla extract, sugar, brown sugar, and egg in a mixing bowl.
- Beat thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Add finely chopped nuts and cherries; mix evenly.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Divide the sifted mixture into two portions.
- Add half of the flour mixture to the first mixture; mix well.
- Add the remaining half; beat thoroughly until combined.
- Knead the dough with hands until smooth.
- Pack the dough very firmly and shape into two 2-inch square bars.
- Wrap the bars in waxed paper.
- Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour.
- Cut the chilled dough into 1/8-inch slices.
- Place slices on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes until golden.
- Remove from oven; cool slightly before removing from baking sheet.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you're looking for a nut-free option, simply omit the nuts or use sunflower seeds. Make sure to chop the maraschino cherries finely to prevent the dough from being overly wet. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of almond extract alongside the vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are delightful on their own or can be paired with a glass of cold milk or a cup of Hot Lemony Coffee for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, serve them at gatherings alongside other holiday cookies or with a platter of fresh fruit. They also make a sweet addition to a dessert table featuring American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you'd like to keep them longer, freeze the sliced cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a resealable bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maraschino Cherry Cookies contains roughly 1249 calories, with 12g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1608mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but keep in mind that they will add more moisture to the dough. To compensate, you might want to reduce other liquid ingredients slightly. Additionally, fresh cherries should be pitted and finely chopped before adding them to the mix.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor. Both options will yield a similarly rich cookie, though they may alter the texture slightly, resulting in a softer cookie.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set but still soft. Since baking times can vary based on your oven, it's a good idea to start checking them at the 6-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
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).