Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies are a delicious blend of creamy sweetness from the cream cheese, and a hint of tartness from the cherries. The cookies are soft and tender, thanks to the addition of cream cheese in the dough, while the cherry adds a touch of fruity freshness. They’re the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the vibrant red cherries make them visually stunning as well. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies will be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped, drained, and patted dry (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

7. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

8. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

9. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.

• Lemon Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

• Use Fresh Cherries: If maraschino cherries aren’t your preference, you can use fresh cherries. Be sure to chop them into small pieces and remove the pits before folding them into the dough.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works as a 1:1 substitute.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the cookies may not be as rich and creamy in texture.

Can I make these cookies without cherries?

Yes! You can omit the cherries or replace them with another fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or even diced dried apricots.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.

Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?

Frozen cherries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. If they’re golden brown all over, they may be overbaked.

Can I use maraschino cherry juice in the dough?

It’s not recommended to use the juice as it will affect the texture of the dough, making it too runny.

Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a nice addition to the dough if you enjoy a little crunch in your cookies.

Why are my cookies flat?

If your cookies spread too much, you may want to try chilling the dough longer or using a bit more flour to help them keep their shape.

Can I frost these cookies?

While the cookies are already delicious on their own, you can top them with a simple glaze or frosting if desired for an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

These Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich, creamy flavor of cream cheese with the sweet, tart taste of cherries. They’re soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, sharing them with friends, or just enjoying them on your own, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!