You’ve all likely made and eaten cookies in many different flavors, but today, let’s make Maraschino Cherry Bliss cookies, which are incredibly fun and easy to prepare at home for parties, with a step-by-step recipe explained in a very simple way.
Make these Maraschino Cherry Bliss cookies at home so you can understand and learn all about them.
Maraschino Cherry Bliss Cookies: Maraschino Magic with a Sweet Twist
If you’re looking for a different cookie that’s buttery, soft, and has a cherry flavor, then look no further. You can make these store-bought Maraschino Cherry Bliss cookies at home and enjoy them with your family.
Cherry Bliss cookies, with their rich vanilla notes, along with a hint of Maraschino cherry and almond extract, create a delicious treat, often prepared during holidays and special occasions like parties.
This is a great recipe for kids to enjoy and to try whenever you’re craving a different cookie. Step-by-step instructions are provided to create delicious cookies with excellent results, along with some tips and answers at the end to help you correct any mistakes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
You can make 25 to 30 cookies in one batch using the ingredients listed:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional, to enhance the cherry flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup softened butter, unsalted
Important tip: Before preparing the cookies, check the cherries thoroughly to ensure they are drained of excess water to avoid becoming soggy. For best results, use a paper towel and pat them dry before using.
All the necessary equipment:
- A large mixing bowl
- A baking sheet
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Hand whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Step-by-step instructions for making Maraschino Cherry Bliss cookies:
1. Preparing the Oven
- Preheat the oven and set it to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a silicone baking mat or parchment paper on the prepared baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- Take a medium-sized bowl and add the ingredients in the specified quantities. Whisk thoroughly before setting aside:
- flour, salt, baking soda
3. Beat the Butter and Sugar
- Use a large mixing bowl. Add 3/4 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar to the bowl and beat vigorously until the mixture is fluffy.
- If using an electric mixer, this may take 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Using Eggs and Vanilla Extract
- Add 2 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until smooth and well combined.
5. Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the prepared wet mixture and mix well on low speed, then scrape the sides of the bowl.
6. Mixing the Cherries and Chocolate
- Add 1 cup chopped Maraschino and 1 cup white chocolate chips to the mixture and continue mixing on low speed until the mixture has a smooth texture. Be careful not to overmix; mix only until the texture is smooth.
7. Rolling Out the Cookies
- Use a large spoon or cookie scoop to scoop out the cookies. Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart, and then bake.
8. Baking
- Bake in a preheated oven for about 11 to 13 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. Note that the cookies will harden as they cool.
9. Cooling
- Cool your cookies on the baking sheet for 5 to 7 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Some tips for perfect Maraschino Cherry Bliss cookies:
- Strain the cherries thoroughly, as excess water can cause the cookies to spread.
- Use room-temperature butter, as softened butter makes the cookies soft and chewy.
- Cookies should not be overcooked in the oven, as they continue to bake for a short time after removal.
- Remove them from the oven once they are golden brown on the edges.
- Try adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a festive flavor.
Storage:
- You can store your mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days, or refrigerated for up to 2 months.
Serving suggestions for Maraschino Cherry Bliss cookies:
- Use with hot cocoa or a glass of milk for busy days or for a relaxing meal.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for festive occasions.
Why Cherry Bliss cookies are so popular:
- They are chewy and incredibly soft, with the perfect texture that melts quickly in your mouth.
- These cookies are versatile enough to be used for parties, gifts, and everyday snacks.
- Maraschino Cherry Bliss cookies have a burst of flavor, with a hint of tart cherry, sweet, vanilla, and almonds.
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, ensuring success for beginners, and all step-by-step instructions are explained in simple terms.
A few pro tips for a more intense cherry flavor:
- If you want an even more tart cherry flavor, use chopped Maraschino cherries and soak them in a teaspoon of cherry liqueur for 18 to 20 minutes before adding them to the dough, which deepens the flavor and creates a richer, more luscious texture.
FAQ, Maraschino Cherry Bliss Cookies Questions
Q. How to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Check your butter first. It should be soft, not melted. For thicker cookies, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 to 35 minutes before baking.
Q. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can avoid using all-purpose flour; use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture is slightly different but still delicious.
Q. Can I use fresh cherries in place of Maraschino cherries?
Tree cherries are very juicy and will make your dough more moist. However, to use fresh cherries, peel them finely and then add a little to the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Q. Can the recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! But bake them on separate baking sheets because you can’t bake as much in the oven, and you can slightly adjust the baking time as needed.
Q.Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! You can use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips; they bring out the cherry flavor perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Maraschino Cherry Bliss Cookies are a delicious and wonderful treat, balancing sweetness and cherry flavor with a soft texture. You can bake these cookies with the step-by-step recipe in this article. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or dinners at home. Believe me, once made, they’ll become a family favorite because homemade cookies taste so much better and more amazing.
Whether you’re sharing them with friends or treating them to a special occasion, these cookies are a real treat, as they’re simply the best of all cookies made with simple ingredients.