Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies emerge from warm ovens, promising delightful surprises.

Crimson specks peek between rich chocolate morsels, creating visual magic in every bite.

Childhood nostalgia wraps around classic ingredients reimagined with playful twists.

Soft, chewy textures welcome unexpected bursts of fruity brightness.

Chocolate chips melt into buttery dough, complementing bright cherry notes perfectly.

Baking enthusiasts will adore this whimsical spin on traditional favorites.

Grab your mixer and prepare for a delectable adventure that sparks joy with each delicious cookie.

Ingredients Needed for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie exterior.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
  • Flour: Serves as the primary structure and base for the cookie dough.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet depth to the overall cookie flavor.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Provide a burst of sweet, bright red color and fruity taste.
  • Chocolate Chips: Offer rich chocolate pockets throughout the cookie.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Help with leavening and balance the cookie's flavor profile.

How to Bake Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready for cookie magic.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a smooth, fluffy mixture that looks like sweet clouds.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Crack eggs into the buttery mixture one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything combines beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Stir gradually until the dry ingredients merge seamlessly with the wet mixture.

Step 5: Add Delightful Mix-Ins

Carefully fold into the cookie dough:
  • Chopped maraschino cherries
  • Chocolate chips

Distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Prepare Cookie Drops

Use a spoon to create rounded dollops of cookie dough, placing them on an ungreased baking sheet with gentle spacing.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden edges as your signal of cookie readiness.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Savor the sweet, fruity, chocolatey results of your baking adventure.

Baking Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy and affecting texture.
  • Chop cherries into small, uniform pieces for even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
  • Blot cherries with paper towels after chopping to remove additional liquid and ensure crisp cookie edges.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend that maintains cookie structure.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweet-tangy flavor combination of cherries and chocolate.

Variations to Try with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Cherry Almond Bliss: Replace chocolate chips with sliced almonds and add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty, sophisticated flavor profile.
  • White Chocolate Cherry Sensation: Swap dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and sprinkle crushed maraschino cherries on top for extra fruity burst.
  • Dark Chocolate Cherry Crunch: Use dark chocolate chunks instead of chips and add toasted pecans for rich, complex texture and deeper chocolate notes.
  • Coconut Cherry Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the dough and use milk chocolate chips for a tropical-inspired cookie with sweet, tropical undertones.

Pairing Suggestions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Complement the sweet cherry and chocolate flavors with a smooth, rich vanilla latte that balances the cookie's richness.
  • Serve with Almond Champagne: Enhance the dessert's luxurious feel by pairing with a light, bubbly almond-infused champagne that highlights the cherry's delicate sweetness.
  • Match with Raspberry Sorbet: Create a refreshing contrast by serving a tart, cool raspberry sorbet alongside the warm, decadent cookies for a palate-pleasing experience.
  • Enjoy with Whipped Cream Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a velvety hot chocolate topped with whipped cream to amplify the chocolate chip cookie's cozy, comforting essence.

Proper Storage for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Place cookies in a sealed container with a slice of bread to keep them soft. Consume within 3 days for best taste and texture.
  • Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their original soft and chewy texture.

FAQs on Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • What makes maraschino cherries unique in this cookie recipe?

Maraschino cherries add a vibrant pop of color, sweet-tart flavor, and moisture to the classic chocolate chip cookie, creating a more interesting and delightful texture.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap milk, dark, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each type will bring a different flavor profile to the cookies.

  • Do I need to drain the maraschino cherries before adding them to the dough?

Yes, drain the cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie’s texture. Chopping them into smaller pieces helps distribute the flavor more evenly.

Why Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Are a Sweet Treat

  • Burst with Flavor: These cookies pack a delightful punch by combining sweet maraschino cherries with rich chocolate chips, creating a unique taste sensation that surprises and delights.
  • Perfect for Sharing: The recipe yields a generous batch, making them ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or gifting to friends who love homemade treats.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can successfully create these delicious cookies without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: These cookies work wonderfully as an afternoon snack, dessert after dinner, or a special treat for holiday cookie exchanges and bake sales.
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Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet chocolate chip cookies get a playful twist with maraschino cherries, creating a delightful dessert that blends classic comfort with unexpected charm. Cherry-studded cookies bring pure joy to cookie lovers, promising a delectable treat that sparks smiles with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and position the rack in the center for even baking.
  2. Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy and fully incorporated.
  3. Introduce eggs individually into the mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then gently incorporate vanilla extract.
  4. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually integrate into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Carefully fold chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Create uniform cookie portions by dropping rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing.
  7. Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges as a doneness indicator.
  8. Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
  9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop a perfect texture.

Notes

  • Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy and affecting texture.
  • Chop cherries into smaller pieces for more even distribution and balanced flavor throughout each cookie.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a thicker, more structured cookie shape.
  • Consider using gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the rich, sweet taste of the original recipe.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 215 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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