Best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, a perfect harmony of chewy texture, vibrant cherry bursts, and melty chocolate chips woven together in every bite. This recipe brings classic comfort with a fun twist, making these cookies a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy Perfection: These cookies have just the right balance of chewiness and softness for a satisfying bite every time.
• Burst of Cherry Flavor: Maraschino cherries add a juicy, sweet pop that pairs beautifully with rich chocolate chips.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find components, making this recipe easy and approachable for all skill levels.
• Family Favorite: Perfect for sharing during holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy snack moment at home.
• Versatile: Easily customized to suit your preferences with variations that keep the recipe fresh and fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Though these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies seem decadent, the ingredients list is straightforward and easy to source. Each one adds a unique element that builds the perfect chewiness, sweetness, and visual appeal.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies and contributes to the tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just the right amount.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a moist texture; softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a slight crisp edge on the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deeper caramel notes and enhances chewiness.
• Egg: Binds the dough and helps maintain softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates the cookie’s flavor with warm, aromatic hints.
• Maraschino Cherries: Chopped into pieces to ensure bursts of sweet cherry flavor throughout.
• Chocolate Chips: Semisweet or dark chocolate chips add melty richness to every bite.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Variations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Feel free to make this recipe your own! These cookies are flexible and welcoming to customization whether you prefer a healthier option or want to mix up the flavors.

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty aroma.
• White Chocolate Swap: Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate for a creamy twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing texture.
• Spiced Cherry Cookies: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm, cozy flavor profile.
• Vegan Adjustment: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and flax eggs to make the recipe plant-based.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the Maraschino cherries into small pieces to evenly distribute their flavor throughout the dough. Soften your butter at room temperature and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for that perfect baking environment.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This ensures an even rise and balanced texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy — this step traps air that helps give the cookies their soft and chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, homogenous batter that carries the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep the cookies tender and prevent overwork of the dough.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped Maraschino cherries and chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking up the cherries too much.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, so they set perfectly but stay chewy and delicious.

Pro Tips for Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps everything mix evenly and yields a softer dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Combine dry and wet ingredients just until incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
• Drain Cherries Well: Excess juice can make the dough soggy, so pat cherries dry before chopping.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Cookies continue to bake slightly after removal, so pull when edges look golden and centers are still soft.

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra mini chopped Maraschino cherries or chocolate shavings on top while the cookies are warm for a pretty, inviting presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies on a rustic wooden board or wrap them up in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for charming gifts that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy goodness.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, making it easy to bake fresh batches whenever cravings hit.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a 300°F oven to revive their soft, freshly baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of Maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries are juicier and less sweet, so while you can substitute them, you might want to drain them well and consider adding a bit of extra sugar to balance the flavors.

Are Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I use white chocolate chips instead?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips offer a sweeter, creamier taste and pair nicely with the tang of Maraschino cherries.

How do I avoid cherries sinking to the bottom of the cookies?

Patting the cherries dry before chopping and gently folding them into the dough helps them stay evenly distributed.

What is the best way to make these cookies chewier?

Using more brown sugar, chilling the dough, and slightly underbaking the cookies will help enhance their chewiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cookie recipe that can brighten your day with every bite, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are exactly what you need. Bursting with luscious cherry flavor and melty chocolate, baked into a chewy, tender cookie, they are simply irresistible. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a go — your sweet tooth will thank you!

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