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Venice High School Cherry Butter Cookies are a timeless dessert that brings a nostalgic charm straight from the school cafeteria to your kitchen. These cookies, made with simple pantry staples and highlighted by bright maraschino cherries, are a throwback to old-fashioned baking when recipes were handwritten and passed from one home cook to another. The soft, buttery texture and cheerful cherry bits make them a favorite for holiday baking, family gatherings, or just a quiet evening treat. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is delightfully easy and always delivers delicious results.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating well to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just incorporated.
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Gently flatten each dough mound with a spoon or hand.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutrients

Calories: ~130 per cookie
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 55mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 1g

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There’s something incredibly comforting about recipes that have stood the test of time. Venice High School Cherry Butter Cookies are a perfect example of this. They offer not just delicious flavor but also a nostalgic feeling that’s hard to replicate. This recipe is rooted in tradition, which makes it more than just a cookie—it’s a piece of shared history. What makes these cookies truly stand out is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a rich, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth and surprises you with bursts of cherry flavor. They’re visually appealing with their ruby-red specks of fruit, making them ideal for festive occasions. Unlike overly complicated desserts that require special equipment or techniques, this one welcomes bakers of all skill levels. The ease of preparation and dependable results make these cookies a beloved favorite that never goes out of style.

These cookies also offer versatility. They can be tailored to suit your personal taste—swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a more intense flavor, or add chopped nuts for a crunchy contrast. The base recipe is stable and forgiving, making it a great starting point for creative variations. Another element that sets this recipe apart is its universal appeal. Kids love the cherry bits, while adults appreciate the soft, buttery texture and nostalgic value. Whether you bake them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or a school fundraiser, they’ll always be a hit. There’s no need for fancy presentation or elaborate decoration. These cookies shine with their simplicity, both in look and in flavor.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The ingredients in this recipe aren’t just common—they’re chosen to serve a specific purpose, contributing to the cookie’s overall taste, texture, and structure. Butter is the star here. Its rich, creamy fat is responsible for the tender texture and luxurious mouthfeel. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor, allowing the sweet and fruity notes to shine through without being overshadowed by salt. Sugar doesn’t just sweeten the cookie; it also contributes to the golden edges and helps achieve the perfect crisp-tender bite. It balances the tartness of the cherries while providing a bit of caramelization as the cookies bake.

Egg is another key player—it binds everything together and adds moisture. Without it, the cookies could crumble apart or become dry. The vanilla extract brings a warm, sweet aroma that elevates the flavor of both the butter and cherries. Some bakers like to swap in almond extract for a more pronounced flavor, especially if they enjoy the classic cherry-almond pairing. The flour acts as the foundation, giving the cookies their shape and holding all the moisture in without making the cookies dense. A small amount of baking soda ensures the cookies rise just enough and have a slight chewiness rather than being overly crisp. Salt might be used sparingly, but it plays a huge role in balancing sweetness and enhancing other flavors.

The star inclusion—maraschino cherries—brings color, sweetness, and moisture. These cherries not only add a pop of red, but their mild tang also contrasts beautifully with the buttery dough. They’re soft enough to mix evenly into the dough and bake gently without burning or toughening. In short, every ingredient here has a purpose, and their combination is what makes these cookies so consistently good.

Cooking Tips

Getting the best results from this recipe is simple, but a few extra steps can elevate the outcome. First, make sure your butter is properly softened. This allows it to cream smoothly with the sugar, incorporating enough air to give the cookies a light texture. If you’re short on time, cut the butter into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Another key detail is draining and patting dry the maraschino cherries. This step prevents the dough from becoming too wet, which could make the cookies spread excessively and lose their shape. Chopped cherries also mix more evenly throughout the dough than whole ones, so don’t skip the chopping.

Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing and even baking. This ensures every cookie bakes at the same rate and avoids under- or overdone edges. Flattening the dough slightly before baking helps the cookies spread just right and gives them a more uniform shape. If your kitchen is warm or if the dough becomes too soft, chill it for about 20 minutes to prevent it from becoming sticky or difficult to handle. Always keep an eye on the baking time. Depending on your oven, they may brown faster, so check them at the 12-minute mark. They should be pale with just golden edges when done. Letting them cool on the tray before transferring is important—they’ll continue to cook slightly and firm up as they rest.

If you’d like to get creative, you can dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish. You might also try adding chopped nuts or coconut to the dough for extra texture. But even in their original form, these cookies don’t need any embellishments to be delightful.

Serving Suggestions

These cherry butter cookies are highly versatile when it comes to presentation and pairing. Serve them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon snack. They also pair well with hot cocoa or warm milk for a cozy wintertime treat. On a dessert table, they add a pop of color and an inviting aroma that draws attention. They’re a perfect addition to a holiday cookie exchange, offering a vintage charm that many modern cookies lack. You can also include them in a themed dessert platter for baby showers, brunches, or birthday parties—especially when you want to add a splash of color.

If you’re gifting homemade treats, these cookies are a great choice. Stack them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon or arrange them in a decorative tin lined with parchment. Because they hold their shape and texture well, they travel easily and maintain their freshness for days. These cookies also make a lovely edible favor at weddings or seasonal events. Just a few of them in a small box or organza bag can be a thoughtful token for guests. When serving a more indulgent dessert, like chocolate cake or pie, a couple of these cookies on the side provide a nice contrast and balance of flavors.

And of course, they’re perfect as a late-night snack when you’re craving something sweet but not too rich. You can even crumble a few over vanilla ice cream for a cherry-butter cookie sundae—simple but unforgettable.

Conclusion

Venice High School Cherry Butter Cookies are a shining example of how simple ingredients and a traditional recipe can create something extraordinary. With their buttery richness and cheerful cherry pieces, these cookies offer both flavor and heartwarming nostalgia. They remind us that some of the best recipes are the ones passed down through generations, made with love, and shared with others. These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a school event, or just for yourself, they promise to deliver comfort and joy in every bite. Their classic appeal makes them a favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again. With a recipe this dependable and delightful, you’re sure to impress friends and family while creating new memories with every batch.

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