Cherry Icebox Cookies: A Sweet, Fruity Delight

Cherry Icebox Cookies are a vibrant and flavorful treat that combine the sweetness of maraschino cherries with a touch of lemon and cinnamon. The dough is chilled in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making these cookies ideal for slicing and baking fresh whenever you’re ready. With a rich, buttery base and a subtle hint of fruitiness, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your cookie jar.

For more irresistible cookie recipes, explore the following articles:

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• How to Make Soft and Chewy Cookies

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Here’s how to make these flavorful Cherry Icebox Cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

Cherry Icebox Cookies: A Fruity and Buttery Cookie Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Yield: 36-48 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cherry Icebox Cookies are a delightful treat with a burst of cherry flavor combined with the richness of butter and the zestiness of lemon. These cookies have a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, enhanced by the crunch of walnuts and chewy pieces of maraschino cherries. They’re ideal for any holiday or special occasion and can be prepped ahead of time by chilling the dough.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 4–1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3–1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries

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Instructions

• Prepare the Cookie Dough:
• In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg, maraschino cherry juice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth and combined.
• Combine Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and cream of tartar.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
• Fold in the Add-ins:
• Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Chill the Dough:
• Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log, about 2 inches in diameter.
• Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to firm up the dough.
• Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Slice the Dough and Bake:
• Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
• Place the sliced cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
• Cool the Cookies:
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
• Serve:
• Once cooled, enjoy your Cherry Icebox Cookies with a glass of milk or as a sweet snack for any occasion!

Notes

If you prefer a more intense cherry flavor, you can chop up more maraschino cherries and add them into the dough.

The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw them in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

These cookies are perfect for gifting! Package them in cute tins or jars for a homemade treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Cherry Icebox Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will create a soft and airy dough that holds up well when baked.
3. Add Egg and Liquids: Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, add the maraschino cherry juice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. The cherry juice will give these cookies a subtle fruity flavor, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tang.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cream of tartar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. The dough will be soft but firm enough to shape.
5. Fold in Chopped Ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries. Be careful not to overwork the dough to avoid breaking up the cherries too much.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions and roll each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling the dough is essential for making clean slices and achieving the ideal texture.
7. Slice the Dough: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary. The centers should be soft and chewy.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve: Once cooled, serve these delicious Cherry Icebox Cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy the sweet, fruity, and buttery flavors in every bite!

Advanced Techniques

These tips can help you elevate your Cherry Icebox Cookies to make them even more special:

1. Add a Zest of Lemon

For an even brighter flavor, you can add lemon zest to the dough. This will amplify the citrus notes and enhance the overall flavor profile, making the cookies even more aromatic.

2. Experiment with Different Nuts

While walnuts pair wonderfully with the cherries, you can substitute them with other nuts such as pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor. The nuts will add a nice crunch that complements the soft, chewy cookie.

3. Use Cherry Extract for an Extra Boost

For a stronger cherry flavor, you can substitute a teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice with cherry extract. This will intensify the fruity flavor of the cookies.

4. Drizzle with a Cherry Glaze

For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple cherry glaze over the cooled cookies. Mix powdered sugar with a little bit of maraschino cherry juice to create a thick, glossy glaze that will complement the flavor of the cookies beautifully.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Cherry Icebox Cookies properly will help them stay fresh for longer, maintaining their flavor and texture.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to refrigerate them to keep them from becoming too soft.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, or if you have extra dough, freezing is a great option. Once you’ve rolled the dough into logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the dough while frozen and bake as directed.

Avoid Over-Baking

Be careful not to over-bake these cookies, as they can dry out. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden. They will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Here are some substitutions to cater to different dietary needs or preferences:

Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the flour blend contains xanthan gum, which will help give the cookies the proper structure and texture.

Dairy-Free Version

To make these cookies dairy-free, swap out the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Additionally, ensure the maraschino cherries you use are free from artificial colors and flavors if you’re following a dairy-free diet.

Nut-Free Version

If you need to make these cookies nut-free, simply omit the chopped walnuts. You can replace them with a mix of seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for added texture, or simply leave them out entirely.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can substitute dried cherries for maraschino cherries. However, dried cherries will have a different texture and less sweetness, so you may need to adjust the sugar or liquid in the dough to compensate.

2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking. Roll it into logs, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, slice the dough and bake as usual.

3. Can I add other fruits to the dough?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits such as dried cranberries, chopped strawberries, or even blueberries for a twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as this could affect the texture of the dough.

4. What if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice?

If you don’t have maraschino cherry juice, you can substitute it with cherry juice or fruit juice of your choice, though the flavor may differ slightly. For a stronger cherry flavor, you can use a cherry extract.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cherry Icebox Cookies are a delightful combination of fruity maraschino cherries, zesty lemon, and aromatic cinnamon, all wrapped in a rich, buttery dough. The added crunch of walnuts makes them even more satisfying, and the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated, making these cookies a great option for busy bakers. Whether you’re preparing them for the holidays, a family gathering, or just a weekend treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

With their beautiful, festive colors and delicious flavor, Cherry Icebox Cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that’s sure to brighten any occasion.