If you love a sweet twist on a classic treat, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-bake! Soft and chewy, each bite is filled with melty chocolate chips and juicy maraschino cherries, making them a perfect combination of rich and fruity.
These cookies are colorful, crowd-pleasing, and totally crave-worthy. They’re ideal for holidays, cookie exchanges, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want to add a little cherry-flavored fun to your cookie jar.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (for extra cherry flavor and color)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step helps create soft, tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. If using, add 1 tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice to boost flavor and give a slight pink hue to the dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. The dough will be slightly sticky and may be tinted pink if you added the cherry juice.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
- Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1–1.5 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
Step 7: Cool
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Variation:
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.
- Cherry Almond: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for an almond-cherry flavor combo.
- Pink Cookies: Add a drop of red food coloring or more cherry juice for a bright pink look.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
COOKING Note:
Drain and blot the maraschino cherries well before chopping to avoid adding too much liquid to the dough, which can cause spreading.
Serving Suggestions:
- Holiday dessert trays: The red and chocolate combo is perfect for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
- With milk or coffee: A great pairing for a sweet afternoon treat.
- As ice cream sandwich cookies: Sandwich vanilla or cherry ice cream between two cookies.
- Gift idea: Pack them in cookie tins or jars with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.
Tips:
- Use parchment or silicone mats to prevent over-spreading and get even baking.
- Let the cookie dough chill for 15–30 minutes if it’s very soft or warm.
- Add extra chocolate chips or chopped cherries on top before baking for a pretty presentation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness for up to 5 days.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx. 24 cookies):
- Calories: ~145
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~19g
- Fat: ~7g
- Sugar: ~11g
- Sodium: ~75mg
Nutrition may vary depending on size and ingredients.
❓FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
- Fresh cherries are more watery and tart. If using them, pit and chop, then dry very well. The flavor will be more subtle.
Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes! Freeze baked cookies or portioned raw dough for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
Do I have to use cherry juice?
- No, it’s optional—but it boosts flavor and gives a fun pink hue.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
- Make sure cherries are well-drained and your butter isn’t overly soft. Chill dough if needed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes—use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion:
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun, fruity, and chocolatey twist on the classic cookie. They’re soft, chewy, and filled with flavor—perfect for parties, baking with kids, or treating yourself to something a little extra sweet.
The combination of juicy cherries and melty chocolate chips makes these cookies stand out—and they’re as pretty as they are delicious.