If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes a sweet craving hits, and nothing satisfies quite like some seriously delicious pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies. These beauties came into my kitchen one late night during one of those “let’s try something new” flavor adventures. I wanted to take classic sugar cookies and kick them up a notch with a punch of cherry flavor that feels bright, fun, and cozy all at once. The result? Pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies that have become a little bite of happy magic in my recipe box.
Picture this: the smell of these soft sugar cookies baking fills the house, and you’re sneaking tastes of the cherry-sweet dough before it even hits the oven. That first batch surprised me—they turned out soft yet perfectly chewy, with bursts of that unmistakable maraschino cherry taste. The pink hue? Total cherry sugar cookie eye candy. This wasn’t just any cookie; it was the joyful fusion of a cherry-flavored cookie dream and the nostalgic comfort of a soft sugar cookie.
Honestly, I didn’t expect these pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies to become such an all-time favorite. After sharing my game night batch with friends, seeing their faces light up when they bit into these cookies was priceless. I knew I had a winner that turns every meal or snack into something special. If you love maraschino cherry desserts or pink cherry cookies that bring a bold flavor pop with a soft sugar cookie base, you’re in for a treat here.
I’m beyond excited to take you through this flavor-packed recipe that’s a weeknight winner and a weekend showstopper. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies will make you want to dance a little in your kitchen. So grab your mixing bowl, fellow food lovers—let’s turn those cherries into a cookie sensation!
And hey, if you’re craving more sugar cookie thrill rides, check out my take on pumpkin sugar cookies and red velvet sugar cookies for that next-level comfort food twist. We’re all about bold flavors and cozy vibes here.
INGREDIENTS You Need
Here’s the ingredient lineup for these pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies — bold, bright, and perfectly balanced to bring out that cherry sugar cookie magic. All these ingredients are easy to find on your regular shopping trips, so no extra stops needed!
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (you want this for a sturdy but soft texture)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (I love the creaminess butter brings to these cherry flavored cookies)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (gives that classic sugar cookie sweetness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (this adds a cozy base note)
- ½ cup finely chopped pink Maraschino cherries (drain well! This is the star—your pink cherry cookies get their iconic flavor from here)
- 2 tbsp Maraschino cherry juice (for that perfect pink tint and flavor boost)
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional, but it adds a lovely hint that complements the cherries)
- Pink sanding sugar or sprinkles (for topping, optional but adds that fun, sparkly look)
No worries if you don’t have almond extract—vanilla alone works wonders in this pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies recipe. For cherry lovers looking to amp things up, adding a dash more cherry juice or a handful of maraschino cherries to the dough works like a charm. I usually prep my cherries ahead by draining and patting them dry to prevent sogginess in the dough.
A little secret? Adding a sprinkle of coarse pink sanding sugar on top before baking locks in a little crunch that makes these pink cherry cookies extra fun to bite into. If you want to keep these soft sugar cookies fresh for longer, store them airtight at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze in a sealed container for up to three months—perfect prep for busy weeknights or last-minute maraschino cherry desserts.
If you love this ingredient list, you’ll adore how it combines simplicity with those bold flavors that actually work together. For even more bold sugar cookie flavors, check out these classic sugar cookies or pumpkin sugar cookies for inspiration—and for a cherry almond spin that’s also a favorite, don’t miss the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies from The Gold Lining Girl.
Let’s Make Some!
Ok, fellow food lovers—it’s time to turn ingredients into magic. Making these pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies is pure joy, and I’m right here with you during every step. Ready? Let’s do this!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This is where the magic begins—warm oven, clean sheet, and sweet anticipation.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix sets the stage for those soft sugar cookies with a hint of chew.
- In your mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light—about 3 minutes. This is my favorite part—the butter and sugar melding into sweet, creamy bliss is the foundation of your pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies’ tenderness.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if you’re using it), and the Maraschino cherry juice to the butter-sugar mix. Beat until combined and smooth.
- Slowly add your dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—your pink cherry cookies will thank you! Your dough should be soft but hold together.
- Gently fold in those finely chopped pink Maraschino cherries. This is where your pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies really start to come alive. The cherries add juicy bursts and a beautiful color pop.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls on your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a touch of sparkle, sprinkle the tops with pink sanding sugar.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be just set but the centers soft. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible right now—warm cherry sweet plus that buttery cookie aroma!
- Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t worry if your pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies look a little soft—they’ll firm up as they cool into that perfect soft sugar cookie texture.
If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for 15 minutes to make scooping easier or even freeze scooped dough balls for a quick bake anytime. I’ve found that this recipe’s flexible nature is perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out how these sugar cookies or pumpkin sugar cookies can add variety to your dessert rotation. And if you want a cherry sugar cookie spin with almond vibes, don’t miss this awesome cherry almond sugar cookie inspiration I found from The Gold Lining Girl!
How to Serve Up This!
Now the fun part: serving these pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies! I like to keep things simple but bold. These cherry flavored cookies shine on their own, but here are some ways I love to enjoy and present them:
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dribble of dark chocolate sauce for a dessert that hits all the right notes. The creamy richness balances the cherry flavor perfectly.
- Serve them on a pastel or white platter dusted with powdered sugar for a cute party spread. The soft pink cookies look extra pretty with fresh cherries or edible flowers on the side.
These pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are absolute winners for pink-themed parties, game nights, and last-minute sweets that feel homemade but super special. Leftovers? No problem. Crumble these over yogurt, use as a base for cherry parfaits, or crush ‘em for a cherry cookie crust in fusion desserts.
I’ve also experimented by dipping half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate and adding some chopped nuts or sprinkles on top. Talk about a flavor and texture party! If you want even more cookie creativity, the flavors here remind me of some great maraschino cherry recipes for pink cookies shared by fellow bakers in this Facebook group about wedding cookie tables.
People literally do happy dances when this pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies hits the table alongside bold pairings like cream cheese frosting or an espresso dip. It’s perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special or dessert trays that wow guests in every way.
FAQs:
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! I designed this recipe to be straightforward and friendly. The secret is to mix until just combined and to use softened butter. If you follow the steps, you’ll get soft, cherry-flavored cookies every time. Don’t fret over perfection—my early tests were messy but so tasty!
Q: What if I mess up my pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies?
Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible! Even if your dough is a little sticky or your cookies spread more than expected, the cherry flavor and softness shine through. And if they get a bit overbaked, consider turning them into cookie crumbs for parfaits or ice cream toppings.
Q: How can I prep this pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies for busy weeknights?
Make the dough ahead and chill it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze scooped dough balls and bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time. This recipe is perfect for making in advance and enjoying fresh-baked cherry sugar cookies anytime.
Q: Can I swap out maraschino cherries for dried cherries or fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries add moisture, which can make the dough too wet, so I don’t recommend it unless pitted and chopped very small. Dried cherries give chewy bites but lack that vibrant maraschino cherry flavor. For classic pink cherry cookies, stick to maraschino cherries if possible.
Q: What’s the best way to store these pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies?
Store airtight at room temperature for up to five days. They freeze well too for longer storage. Just be sure to cool fully before storing to keep the softness.
Q: Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
I love adding a sprinkle of almond extract for depth. You could also try mini white chocolate chips or toasted almonds for crunch. One of my favorite cherry maraschino recipes for pink cookies encourages this kind of fun mixing!
Q: How pink will these cookies be?
Depending on your cherry juice and sanding sugar choice, they have a soft pink tint. For a bolder pink, you can add a teaspoon of food coloring, but I love how natural and pretty they are just from the maraschino cherry juice.
If you want a cherry sugar cookie that stands out, these pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies nail that balance of bold flavor and cozy softness. For a twist in your cookie journey, explore other sugar cookie recipes like these pumpkin sugar cookies and red velvet sugar cookies on Grill Drip!
CONCLUSION:
These pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies truly bring me so much joy. They’re proof that soft sugar cookies don’t need to be plain—they can pop with bold, cherry-flavored fun that feels like a celebration in every bite.
My pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies Flavor Secrets:
- Always use fresh maraschino cherry juice and well-drained cherries for that punch of flavor without sogginess.
- Don’t skip the almond extract—it’s a subtle game-changer that complements the cherry notes perfectly.
- Sprinkle pink sanding sugar on top before baking for a sparkly finish and just the right crunch.
I’ve tested several tasty variations, including maraschino cherry with white chocolate chips, a drizzle of dark chocolate on top, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy look. Each version fits perfectly on occasions from cozy family game nights to vibrant pink-themed parties.
So trust your taste buds, get creative with your cherry sugar cookies, and most importantly, have fun making these pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies your own signature delight. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love just like I did! Remember, no bland food allowed at your table—let’s keep those bold flavors coming!
If you’re hungry for more sugar cookie favorites, dive into these pumpkin sugar cookies and red velvet sugar cookies next. And for cherry desserts inspiration, check out this recipe for cherry squares with pink frosting shared in our favorite Facebook food group.
Links you’ll want to visit next for your pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies and cherry dessert journey:
Let’s keep those ovens warm and those pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies coming!
pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
Delight in these soft and chewy pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies, perfectly sweet with a hint of cherry flavor and vibrant color. A festive treat ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons Maraschino cherry juice
- ⅓ cup finely chopped Maraschino cherries, drained
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and Maraschino cherry juice until well combined. Add a few drops of pink food coloring if desired.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the chopped Maraschino cherries.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and gently roll each in granulated sugar.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra cherry flavor, try adding a teaspoon of maraschino cherry syrup to the dough or garnish cookies with a small cherry half on top before baking.