Growing up, my grandma’s cherry red dot cookies were the highlight of every holiday. Their buttery texture and sweet cherry centers made them irresistible. Now, I’m sharing this easy, nostalgic recipe with you. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy baking days, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s bake some happiness together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery & Delicious: Soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a sweet cherry center.
• Festive & Fun: The vibrant red cherry dot makes them perfect for holidays and parties.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no fancy techniques—great for beginners!
• Customizable: Swap cherries for chocolate chips, add glaze, or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients for Cherry Red Dot Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The foundation of your dough, ensuring a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the cherries.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough together for the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A hint of warmth and depth to elevate the flavor.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their structure.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: A small but mighty ingredient to help the cookies rise slightly.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Perfectly balances the sweetness and brings out the rich flavors in every bite.
• Maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry: The star ingredient! Drying them well ensures they don’t make the cookies soggy.

Handy Tips:

• For a nutty twist, try adding ½ teaspoon almond extract to the dough.
• If maraschino cherries aren’t your thing, swap them for chocolate chips or a dollop of jam for a fun variation.

Instructions To Make Cherry Red Dot Cookies

Let’s bake these cherry red dot cookies step by step!

1. Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dough: Beat 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla, then mix in 2 ½ cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt until combined.
3. Shape: Roll dough into balls, place on sheets.
4. Add Cherries: Pat maraschino cherries dry and place them in the center.
5. Bake: Cook for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool before serving.

Tip: Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Red Dot Cookies

Baking the perfect cherry red dot cookies is easier than you think! Follow these simple yet effective tips to make your cookies soft, buttery, and utterly irresistible:

• Butter Matters: Always use softened butter for your dough. It mixes better with sugar, creating a light and airy texture. Cold butter can make your cookies dense and less flavorful.
• Dry Those Cherries: Before adding the cherries, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent excess moisture from making your cookies soggy.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky or too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
• Mix with Care: Combine your ingredients gently, stopping as soon as the dough comes together. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in cookies that are tough instead of tender.
• Perfect Baking Time: Bake your cookies until the edges are just golden but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking for the best texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Swap the cherries for chocolate chips, jam, or even a sprinkle of nuts. Adding a touch of almond extract can also give your cookies a delightful nutty flavor.
• Storage Tips: Keep your cookies fresh and tasty by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them later, they can also be frozen for up to a month.

Cherry Red Dot Cookies

Sweet Bites Chef

Make irresistible Cherry Red Dot Cookies—soft, buttery, and topped with sweet cherries. Perfect for holidays or a quick treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 57 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• maraschino cherries drained and patted dry

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla.
• Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until dough forms.
• Roll dough into balls, place on sheets.
• Pat maraschino cherries dry and place them in the center.
• Bake until edges are golden. Cool before serving.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg

Keyword Buttery Cookies, easy cookie recipe, Festive Cookies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries aren’t recommended because they release too much moisture during baking, which can make the cookies soggy. Stick to maraschino cherries for the best texture and flavor.

2. How can I stop my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is key! Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly.

3. Is it okay to skip chilling the dough?

Chilling is important for this recipe. Skipping it can cause the cookies to spread too much and lose their shape. Plan ahead and give the dough time to firm up.

4. Why do my cookies turn out crumbly?

Crumbly cookies often result from too much flour or overmixing the dough. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and mix just until the ingredients come together.

5. Can I use alternative flours like almond or coconut?

You can, but keep in mind that these flours will change the texture. Almond flour makes the cookies denser, while coconut flour can make them drier. Adjustments may be needed for the best results.

6. What’s the easiest way to make uniform cookies?

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough, then roll each piece into a ball. For even slices, use a sharp knife if working with a dough log.

7. Is an egg required for this recipe?

No, this recipe is egg-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or egg allergies.

Wrapping Up the Sweetness

Cherry red dot cookies are a classic, festive delight—soft, buttery, and crowned with a vibrant cherry center. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, sharing a cookie box, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this recipe is both easy to make and utterly irresistible. Perfect for bakers of all levels, these cookies are sure to bring joy to every bite!