Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of cherries, nestled in a soft and buttery cookie base. With their vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or simply a cozy afternoon at home. Easy to make and wonderfully comforting, they evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy, making them a must-try dessert. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process that will guide you to create a batch of these sweet delights with minimal hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies are perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of baking without sacrificing flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these tasty treats in no time, making them ideal for busy parents or anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. The cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fruity flavor, while the luscious strawberry frosting adds a creamy dimension that elevates each bite. Moreover, they are sure to impress your family and friends, becoming a favorite at get-togethers. The joy of baking these cookies is matched only by the pleasure of sharing them with loved ones.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup (80 ml) maraschino cherry juice
1/2 cup (75 g) chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons strawberry puree (or strawberry jam)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pink food coloring (optional)
Halved maraschino cherries or diced strawberries (for garnish)

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect cookie. The unsalted butter yields a creamy texture, while the granulated sugar intermingles for sweetness and a slight crunch. The addition of maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries brings a delightful fruity note, while the almond extract adds a lovely nutty aroma. The frosting—crafted from buttery smoothness and the sweetness of strawberries—adds an irresistible touch. Together, these ingredients create a colorful treat that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C): Start by preparing your baking environment. Preheating ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats: This step prevents sticking, making it easy to lift your baked cookies off the tray.
Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the butter and sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the egg and almond extract: Once your mixture is fluffy, add in the egg and almond extract, mixing gently until fully incorporated.
Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until combined, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries: Gently fold in the cherry juice and your chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop tablespoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place rounded tablespoonfuls of dough on the lined sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each dough ball slightly: With your fingers or the back of a spoon, gently flatten each ball to help them spread evenly during baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes: Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven. Bake until the edges turn golden brown, keeping a close watch to avoid overbaking.
Cool on baking sheets: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the strawberry frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. For a pop of color, add a few drops of pink food coloring.
Frost the cooled cookies: Once your cookies are completely cool, use a spatula or knife to spread a generous layer of the strawberry frosting over each cookie.
Garnish with cherries or strawberries: As a final touch, top each frosted cookie with halved maraschino cherries or diced strawberries for a delightful presentation.
Serve and enjoy these sweet, fruity delights: Enjoy the fruits of your labor and share them with family and friends!

Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
If you prefer a more intense cherry flavor, use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries.
Always allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Experiment with different fruit purees to create variations of the frosting.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be served with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or your favorite coffee. For occasions like birthday parties or family picnics, pair these cookies with fruit platters or simple snacks. They also shine as part of a dessert table alongside other goodies like brownies or mini cupcakes.

Nutritional Information

Each Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookie contains approximately 150 calories, depending on the size and amount of frosting used. Key nutritional facts include around 6 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. While they are a delicious treat, remember to enjoy them in moderation, and consider balancing with fruits and nuts for a wholesome snack.

Storing Tips & Variations

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Store the cookies for up to three months. You can also vary the recipe by substituting the cherry juice with other fruit juices or using different frostings, such as a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

Conclusion

Strawberry Frosted Cherry Cookies are not just treats; they are a burst of color and flavor that can brighten any day. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with your family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction all around. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and share your experiences—don’t forget to let us know how they turn out!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can provide a lovely texture and flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the cherry juice amount accordingly.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, they can last for up to three days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure to check your other ingredients for gluten.
What can I use if I don’t have almond extract?
You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract or even a hint of coconut extract for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping and baking.