Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Magical Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Sweet baking adventures with maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies always spark joy in my kitchen.

Bright red cherries peek through creamy dough like delightful surprises waiting to be discovered.

Clusters of chocolate chips melt into soft, buttery landscapes that beckon hungry souls.

These cookies carry memories of childhood treats and spontaneous weekend baking moments.

Unexpected flavor combinations make classic recipes feel fresh and exciting.

Pure comfort arrives in each delectable bite, promising pure happiness.

Come create magic with this simple yet extraordinary treat!

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior on the cookies.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
  • Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cookie dough.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic background flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Sweet, bright red cherries that add a pop of color and fruity flavor to the cookies.
  • Chocolate Chips: Create delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookies.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cookies rise and balance the overall sweetness of the recipe.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Slide the oven rack to the middle position and heat it to 350F (175C).

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for your delicious cookies.

Step 2: Create a Fluffy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.

Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, blend these ingredients until they transform into a light, airy mixture that looks like soft clouds.

Step 3: Introduce Eggs and Vanilla

Crack eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in the vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a consistent dough forms.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Delightful Extras

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

Distribute them evenly throughout the cookie dough for perfect bites.

Step 7: Shape and Arrange Cookies

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Space them a few inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center as your cue that the cookies are ready.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up.

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The cookies will become slightly crisp on the edges and wonderfully soft in the center.

Tips For Chewy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Pat maraschino cherries completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy.
  • Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect shape.
  • Cut maraschino cherries into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the cookies.
  • Reduce sugar slightly since maraschino cherries are already quite sweet to prevent overly sugary cookies.
  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Vegan Cherry Chocolate Chip Option: Replace butter with coconut oil, use egg substitute like flax eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while keeping the rich cherry and chocolate taste.
  • Nutty Cherry Chocolate Variation: Add chopped pecans or sliced almonds to introduce extra crunch and nutty complexity to the classic cookie recipe.

Ways To Serve Maraschino Cherry Cookies Warm

  • Sweet Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative tray with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for an elegant dessert display.
  • Breakfast Companion: Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee for a delightful morning treat.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cherry-flavored ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent summer dessert.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a red ribbon for a charming homemade gift that looks as good as it tastes.

Storing Maraschino Cherry Cookies So They’re Soft

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Scoop cookie dough into balls, place on baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bag. Freeze uncooked dough for 2-3 months; bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container. Frozen baked cookies stay delicious for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

  • Are maraschino cherries different from regular cherries?

Maraschino cherries are candied, sweetened cherries typically bright red in color, preserved in a sweet syrup, and commonly used in desserts and cocktails for their vibrant appearance and sweet flavor.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries are not recommended as they contain more moisture and might make the cookie dough too wet, potentially affecting the texture and baking process of the cookies.

  • How do I prevent maraschino cherries from bleeding color into the cookie dough?

Pat the chopped maraschino cherries dry with paper towels before adding them to the dough to minimize color bleeding and excess moisture.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight Fans

  • Sweet Surprise Twist: Maraschino cherries transform ordinary chocolate chip cookies into a vibrant, unexpected flavor sensation that delights taste buds and brings excitement to traditional baking.
  • Quick Family Baking Adventure: Perfect for parents and kids to create together, this recipe requires minimal steps and basic ingredients, making it an enjoyable shared cooking experience for all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These colorful cookies work wonderfully for casual gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, offering a unique treat that stands out from standard chocolate chip recipes.
  • Versatile Treat Option: Easily adaptable for various occasions like school events, holiday parties, or weekend snacking, these cookies provide a playful and delicious alternative to standard desserts.
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Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet nostalgia meets classic comfort in these maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, blending childhood memories with indulgent chocolate. Crimson cherries and rich chocolate morsels create a delightful dance of flavors you’ll crave with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Baking Essentials:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then infuse with vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, and salt, whisking thoroughly to distribute leavening agents evenly.
  5. Gradually introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Delicately fold chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them uniformly to ensure balanced flavor in each cookie.
  7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place rounded dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving sufficient space between each cookie for spreading.
  8. Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as a signal of perfect doneness.
  9. Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on baking sheets for 3-4 minutes to firm up, then transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature.

Notes

  • Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly on paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy.
  • Chop cherries into small pieces for even distribution and balanced flavor throughout each cookie.
  • Consider freezing chocolate chips and chopped cherries for 10-15 minutes before adding to dough to maintain better shape during baking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, consistent cookie texture and even mixing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 186 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 94 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 16 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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