Name: Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped; 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice

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Soft, tangy, and sweet cream cheese cookies with a burst of cherry flavor—perfect for a special treat! These Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies are the ideal combination of creamy and fruity, offering a delicate texture and a sweet cherry taste in every bite. They're so easy to make and perfect for any occasion where you want to bring a bit of sweetness to the table.

Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped

¼ cup maraschino cherry juice

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and cherry juice.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Cherry-Almond Variation: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a slight almond flavor to complement the cherry.

White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Fold in some white chocolate chips with the cherries for an extra layer of sweetness.

Dried Cherries: If you prefer a more intense cherry flavor, you can substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries for a chewier texture.

Glazed Version: Drizzle a simple cherry glaze (made from powdered sugar and cherry juice) over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness and a pop of color.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating: If you like them warm, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

How do I get soft cookies?

To keep these Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies soft, make sure to not overbake them. They should be lightly golden at the edges but soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. Cooling them on the baking sheet for a few minutes will help retain their softness.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While frozen cherries can be used, they may release more moisture, which can affect the cookie texture. If you use frozen cherries, make sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding them to the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just scoop and bake the cookies when you’re ready.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

For a fun, festive touch, add some colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate over the cookies. These cookies also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes! A hand mixer will work just fine for this recipe. Just make sure to cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy to achieve the perfect texture.

Conclusion

These Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The cream cheese adds a subtle richness, while the maraschino cherries bring a fruity burst to each bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Easy to make and deliciously soft, they’re a perfect treat to share with family and friends.

Recipe:

Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, tangy, and sweet cream cheese cookies with a burst of cherry flavor—perfect for a special treat! These cookies are a delightful combination of creamy and fruity, offering a delicate texture and sweet cherry taste in every bite.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and cherry juice.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.