These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet cherry flavor and melty chocolate chips. The perfect balance of buttery richness, vanilla warmth, and bursts of juicy maraschino cherries makes these cookies irresistible. Great for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you need a sweet treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and patted dry
- 1½ cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake & Cool: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- Pat the cherries dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough’s texture.
- Use white, dark, or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
- Add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Helpful Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Dry the Cherries Well
Maraschino cherries hold a lot of moisture, which can make the dough too wet and affect the cookies’ texture. After chopping them, pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from seeping into the dough.
2. Use Softened Butter
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars. This helps create a smooth, fluffy dough that blends well with the other ingredients.
3. Measure Flour Correctly
Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry.
4. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing can make cookies tough. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined, then gently fold in the cherries and chocolate chips.
5. Chill for Thicker Cookies
For extra chewy and thick cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and enhances the flavors.
6. Use a Cookie Scoop
For evenly sized cookies that bake consistently, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
7. Watch the Bake Time
Cookies should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set on the baking sheet.
8. Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container it helps retain moisture!
Conservation and Storage for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Storing at Room Temperature
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days. For best results, place a piece of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay soft longer.
2. Refrigeration
While not necessary, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigeration helps. However, bring them to room temperature before serving to restore their chewy consistency.
3. Freezing Baked Cookies
To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature for 15–20 minutes or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
4. Freezing Cookie Dough
For fresh-baked cookies anytime, freeze the dough instead! Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding 1–2 extra minutes if needed.
5. Reheating for Freshness
To revive stored cookies, microwave for 5–10 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This refreshes their soft, gooey texture, making them taste freshly baked!
Variations
1. White Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Swap the semisweet or dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to enhance the sweet, creamy contrast with the cherries. White chocolate pairs beautifully with maraschino cherries for a rich, indulgent flavor.
2. Cherry Almond Cookies
For a nutty twist, add ½ teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. Almond enhances the cherry flavor, making it taste like a cherry almond dream. You can also fold in ½ cup of chopped almonds for added crunch.
3. Chocolate Lover’s Delight
Make these cookies even more decadent by replacing ½ cup of flour with ¼ cup cocoa powder for a double chocolate version. Add mini chocolate chips for extra melty goodness.
4. Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt
Use dark chocolate chips and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking. The balance of sweet cherries, rich chocolate, and salty contrast creates an upscale, gourmet flavor.
5. Cherry Coconut Cookies
For a tropical touch, mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut. The coconut adds a chewy texture and pairs beautifully with the cherry and chocolate flavors.
6. Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients (like chocolate chips) are gluten-free as well.
7. Boozy Cherry Cookies
Soak the maraschino cherries in a tablespoon of cherry liqueur or amaretto before adding them to the dough. This infuses them with extra flavor and makes the cookies perfect for adult gatherings!
Serving Suggestions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Classic with Milk
Enjoy these cookies warm with a cold glass of milk for a classic and comforting treat. The creamy milk balances the rich chocolate and sweet cherries perfectly.
2. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Take these cookies to the next level by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or cherry ice cream between two cookies. Freeze for 30 minutes for a firmer, handheld dessert.
3. Drizzled with Chocolate
Melt white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant presentation and extra chocolatey goodness.
4. Crumbled Over Ice Cream
Crumble a few cookies over a bowl of vanilla, cherry, or chocolate ice cream for added texture and flavor. Add a maraschino cherry on top for a fun finishing touch!
5. Paired with Coffee or Hot Cocoa
These cookies make a delightful pairing with coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate. The rich chocolate chips and sweet cherry flavors complement warm beverages beautifully.
6. Festive Dessert Platter
Include these cookies on a holiday cookie platter alongside shortbread, thumbprint cookies, or chocolate crinkle cookies. The red cherries add a festive pop of color!
7. Cheesecake Topping
Crumble cookies over a slice of cheesecake for a fun and flavorful topping that adds crunch and sweetness.
8. Gifting Idea
Wrap a stack of cookies in a clear bag tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, but fresh cherries have more moisture, which can affect the dough. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them, then pat them very dry before adding them to the batter.
2. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for thicker, chewier cookies. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
3. How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain moisture and keep the cookies soft for longer.
4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
5. What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips provide the best contrast to the sweet cherries, but white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips work well for a different flavor profile.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure all other ingredients (like chocolate chips) are gluten-free as well.
7. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar, but keep in mind that it affects texture and moisture. Reducing too much may result in drier cookies.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy cherries, making them a standout treat for any occasion. Their soft, chewy texture, combined with bursts of cherry flavor, makes them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
These cookies are easy to make, and with a few helpful tips like patting the cherries dry, measuring flour correctly, and chilling the dough you can achieve bakery-quality results every time. Whether you enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, as part of a festive cookie platter, or crumbled over a bowl of ice cream, they are sure to impress.
With so many delicious variations, you can customize these cookies to your liking. Try white chocolate chips for a creamier taste, add a hint of almond extract for extra depth, or go bold with dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of cherry liqueur can take them to the next level!
They also store well, whether at room temperature, in the fridge, or frozen for later enjoyment. Preparing a batch of dough in advance and freezing it means you can have freshly baked cookies on demand whenever the craving strikes.
Perfect for holidays, parties, or a simple homemade treat, these cookies are bound to become a go-to recipe in your collection. Bake a batch today and experience the irresistible combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips in every bite!
More relevant recipes :
For more inspiration, check out this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe! Bake a batch today and experience the irresistible combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips in every bite!
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft & Chewy
- Total Time: 25–27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet cherry flavor and melty chocolate chips. The perfect balance of buttery richness, vanilla warmth, and bursts of juicy maraschino cherries makes these cookies irresistible. Great for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you need a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and patted dry
- 1½ cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake & Cool: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Pat the cherries dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough’s texture.
- Use white, dark, or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
- Add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
