These Cherry No-Bake Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the flavors of chocolate, oats, and maraschino cherries. Perfect for when you’re short on time or don’t want to use the oven, these cookies are both chewy and flavorful.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup baking cocoa
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
Directions
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat; stir in oats, coconut, and vanilla. Fold in cherries.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Let stand until set.
Nutrients (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 108
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
- Sodium: 29mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
A Perfect Solution for Busy Days
Life gets busy, and sometimes you need a quick dessert or snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without requiring much effort. Cherry No-Bake Cookies are the answer to this problem. In just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious treat that doesn’t require baking. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or spontaneous dessert cravings, these cookies are a time-saving delight that packs a punch of flavor.
By using basic ingredients that most people already have in their pantry, such as sugar, butter, cocoa, oats, and coconut, these cookies come together quickly. There’s no need to worry about cookie dough chilling or watching them bake in the oven—simply combine the ingredients, drop spoonfuls onto wax paper, and let them set. The convenience and ease of this recipe make it an ideal choice for both novice bakers and experienced cooks alike.
The Secret to the Perfect Texture
What makes Cherry No-Bake Cookies so irresistible is their texture. These cookies are chewy, with a slight crunch from the oats and coconut. The addition of maraschino cherries provides a burst of flavor and moisture that complements the rich, chocolaty base. The combination of oats and coconut gives these cookies an almost fudgy consistency, while the cherries add a refreshing sweetness that balances the richness of the chocolate and cocoa.
The oats serve as the base of the cookie, providing structure and texture, while the shredded coconut brings a slight chewiness and a hint of tropical flavor. The maraschino cherries provide bursts of sweetness and moisture that enhance the flavor profile. This combination of chewy, crunchy, and moist elements makes every bite of these cookies a satisfying experience.
A Flavorful Fusion: Chocolate, Coconut, and Cherry
One of the key components of Cherry No-Bake Cookies is the combination of chocolate and maraschino cherries. The rich cocoa and melted butter create a smooth, chocolaty base that coats the oats and coconut, while the cherries add a tangy, sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the deep chocolate. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, tying the different elements together. The natural sweetness of the cherries, paired with the chocolatey base, creates a perfect balance that’s both decadent and refreshing.
The addition of shredded coconut adds a delightful chewiness and a subtle tropical flavor that complements the chocolate and cherry. Coconut’s mild flavor allows the chocolate and cherries to shine while adding a texture that makes these cookies more interesting to eat. It also brings a bit of natural sweetness to the cookies, reducing the need for additional sugar.
Easy to Customize and Adapt
Cherry No-Bake Cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the recipe based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For instance, if you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, you can easily swap them out for other fruits, such as dried cranberries, raisins, or even fresh berries. The coconut can also be adjusted based on taste; if you’re not fond of coconut, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely for a different texture.
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the quick oats with certified gluten-free oats, ensuring that these cookies are safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, you could swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version of the cookies. For those looking to reduce sugar intake, you could experiment with using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia in place of refined sugar.
A Kid-Friendly Dessert
These cookies aren’t just for adults—they are a fantastic treat for kids as well! Cherry No-Bake Cookies are easy for little hands to help prepare, making them a fun and interactive activity for families. The simple process of mixing the ingredients and spooning the dough onto the baking sheet can engage children in the kitchen while allowing them to enjoy a sweet reward once the cookies are set. Plus, kids will love the combination of chocolate, coconut, and cherries, which makes this treat a surefire hit with the younger crowd.
Perfect for Entertaining
Cherry No-Bake Cookies are not just for everyday snacking; they’re also an excellent option for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a family dinner, or a special occasion, these cookies can be easily prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. Their no-bake nature means you won’t have to worry about oven space or timing, making them perfect for a last-minute treat.
Additionally, their vibrant color and appealing texture make them an attractive choice for dessert tables. The rich, glossy chocolate and the bright red cherries make these cookies pop visually, adding a fun and festive element to any party or celebration.
Healthier Than Traditional Cookies
While Cherry No-Bake Cookies might not be considered a “health food,” they offer a healthier alternative to traditional cookies that often contain refined sugars, flours, and unhealthy fats. The use of quick oats provides a good source of fiber and helps keep you full longer. The coconut adds healthy fats, and the cherries provide a boost of antioxidants and vitamins.
These cookies are also free from refined sugar, as they rely on natural sweetness from the honey and maraschino cherries. By choosing healthier options for some ingredients, these cookies become a more balanced choice than many other sugary treats. However, as with any dessert, moderation is key—these cookies are still rich in fats and sugars, so they should be enjoyed in reasonable portions.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Quick Treat
In conclusion, Cherry No-Bake Cookies are a fantastic, easy-to-make dessert that combines the sweetness of chocolate, the chewiness of oats and coconut, and the burst of flavor from maraschino cherries. Their simple preparation process makes them ideal for busy days when you want something sweet but don’t have time for baking. The chewy texture, delightful chocolate-coconut flavor, and bright cherry accents make them a treat that everyone will love.
These cookies are versatile, customizable, and kid-friendly, making them perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual snacking to entertaining. Their healthier profile, compared to traditional cookies, adds an extra layer of appeal, allowing you to indulge without guilt. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a fun activity with the kids, or a sweet snack to enjoy on the go, Cherry No-Bake Cookies are the perfect solution.