Cherry Cookies

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Bake: 10 min./batch

Makes

4 dozen

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
With a tall glass of ice-cold milk, a couple of these cherry cookies really hit the spot for dessert or a snack. The coconut and bits of cherries provide a fun look and texture. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana

Ingredients

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, well drained, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in the egg, milk and vanilla. In another bowl, mix the flour, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in the cherries, coconut and pecans.
  2. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
Cherry Cookies Tips

Can you use different kinds of cherries?

We use maraschino cherries in this cherry cookie recipe, but you can substitute different types of cherries if you like. Try using candied cherries for their vibrant color and sweet flavor, or use dried cherries to add a chewy texture and a hint of tartness. Fresh cherries may also be used, but keep in mind they will release moisture during baking that change the texture of the cookie. Consider adjusting the recipe to account for the extra moisture.

How can you make cherry cookies your own?

To make cherry cookies your own, experiment with the mix-ins. The original recipe features maraschino cherries, shredded coconut and chopped pecans, but you can add chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Instead of using pecans, have some fun with other chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts. Add complementary flavors like almond extract or lemon zest to enhance the cherry flavor, or whip up a quick vanilla glaze to ice the cookies after they cool. Check out other cherry dessert recipes for more ideas.

How should you store cherry cookies?

Once the cherry cookies have cooled, store them in an airtight container. In general, cherry cookies last about 3 days at room temperature, or up to 6 months in the freezer.

—Lindsay Mattison, Taste of Home Contributing Writer

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 81 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.