Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

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.

Leave a Comment