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Chocolate-Covered Maraschino Cherry Cookies

11 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 45 min. + chilling Bake: 15 min. + cooling

Makes

2 dozen

Updated: Oct. 03, 2022
I first tasted these cookies during a “cookie swap” at work a few years ago. Now I make them every Christmas for our family get-together. People who haven’t had them are always delighted by the “hidden treasure” inside.
Chocolate-Covered Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Chocolate-Covered Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 24 maraschino cherries
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon shortening

Directions

  1. Pat cherries with paper towels to remove excess moisture; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in cherry juice and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle.
  2. Insert a chocolate chip into each maraschino cherry. Wrap a tablespoon of dough around each cherry. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
  3. Bake at 350° for 15-17 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  4. In a microwave, melt remaining chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip tops of cookies in melted chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.