There’s something magical about Pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies — soft, buttery cookies tinted the prettiest shade of pink and bursting with cherry flavor. They taste like a bite of nostalgia and look just as charming as they sound. The first time I made these cookies was right before Valentine’s Day when I wanted something festive but easy. I had a jar of maraschino cherries sitting in the fridge and thought, “Why not turn them into cookies?” The result? A sweet, chewy treat that disappeared faster than I could bake the second batch.
Now, these cookies have earned their place next to my Christmas Bread Recipe and Soft Sugar Cookie Bars as a go-to dessert when I want something simple yet special.
They’re soft, chewy, and full of cherry flavor — a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or just when you’re craving something pink and pretty.
Pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and maraschino cherry juice until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. For a deeper pink hue, add a drop or two of gel food coloring.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely. Mix powdered sugar with cherry juice to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle or dip the tops for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re also stunning. The dough gets its natural rosy hue from maraschino cherry juice, and each bite delivers buttery sweetness with little bursts of chopped cherries. They’re soft in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and oh-so-addictive.
If you love colorful, crowd-pleasing desserts like my Lemon Crinkle Cookies or Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, this recipe will be right up your alley.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries
- Optional: red or pink gel food coloring for deeper color
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
If you’ve made my Classic Sugar Cookies, you’ll recognize the same buttery base here — just with a fun, fruity twist that makes them pop.
How to Make Pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and maraschino cherry juice until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Add the Cherries
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. For a deeper pink hue, add a drop or two of gel food coloring.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Allow the cookies to cool completely. Mix powdered sugar with cherry juice to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle or dip the tops for an extra touch of sweetness.
For a festive platter, serve alongside my Chewy M&M Cookie Bars — the color combo looks amazing together!
Tips for Perfect Cherry Sugar Cookies
- Drain the cherries well: Excess liquid can make the dough too wet.
- Don’t overbake: They should be soft and slightly chewy in the center.
- Use real maraschino juice: It gives that signature pink color and flavor.
- Add glaze after cooling: Prevents it from melting into the cookie.
These small tricks work wonders for soft, bakery-style cookies — just like my Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars.
How to Store and Freeze
Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw dough in the fridge before baking.
Glaze Tip: If glazed, let them dry fully before stacking.
If you like recipes that freeze beautifully, try my Peanut Butter Blossoms — another cookie classic that stores like a dream.
Flavor Variations
- Cherry-Almond Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a bakery-style twist.
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a classic flavor combo.
- Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: Add a touch of cream cheese to the dough for tangy richness.
- Holiday Cherry Cookies: Top with sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
Like my Soft Sugar Cookie Bars, these cookies are endlessly customizable and always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
You can, but maraschino cherries add more color and sweetness.
2. Do I need to chill the dough?
Not usually, but if your kitchen is warm, chill for 15–20 minutes for easier handling.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely — they’re delicious plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
The Final Bite
These Pink Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with cherry flavor. Every bite brings back that old-fashioned sweetness that’s both comforting and fun. Whether you’re baking them for Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, or just because you love pink, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.
Serve them with a mug of hot cocoa or a slice of Christmas Bread Recipe for the perfect cozy treat.