Best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Discover the ultimate Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with rich flavors and chewy texture for a perfect sweet treat that combines the delightful burst of maraschino cherries with classic chocolate chips. This recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies, adding a pop of color and a subtly sweet fruitiness that balances perfectly with the melty chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting dessert, these cookies promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Fusion: The blend of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips creates a taste that is both nostalgic and refreshingly different.
• Chewy & Soft Texture: Designed to deliver the perfect cookie texture that’s neither too cakey nor too crunchy.
• Eye-Catching Appearance: Bright red cherries studded throughout the cookie make them visually irresistible and festive.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with just a few special ingredients that elevate the flavor.
• Great for All Occasions: Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday baking, or an everyday sweet indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients, each one carefully chosen to enhance the taste, color, and texture of your cookie batch.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives your cookies structure and chewiness.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft center.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create the tender crumb.
• Sugar (Brown and Granulated): Brown sugar for chewiness and granulated for a slight crisp edge.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes moisture and flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm aroma and depth to the dough.
• Maraschino Cherries: Drained and chopped, bringing juicy bursts of sweet cherry flavor and vibrant red color.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The star chocolate component adding melty richness and slight bitterness.

Variations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Feel free to tweak the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe to suit your palate or dietary needs — it’s incredibly easy to personalize without losing the magic of the original.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast.
• White Chocolate Swap: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate for a creamier sweetness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blends to keep these cookies safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter and egg with vegan alternatives like coconut oil and flax eggs.
• Extra Cherry Boost: Toss in some dried cherries or fresh cherries during cherry season for more intense cherry flavor.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries well, then chop them into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough and prevent too much moisture.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly and activate the leavening agent.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy — this step is crucial for a soft and chewy texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined for smooth and flavorful dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated but be careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly for delightful bites in every cookie.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls 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 the centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This makes them easier to handle and gives them time to set.

Pro Tips for Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Drain Cherries Thoroughly: Excess cherry juice can make the dough too wet and affect cookie texture.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter creams better with sugars, creating the perfect dough consistency.
• Don’t Overbake: Pull cookies out with slightly undercooked centers to keep them soft and chewy after cooling.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Uniform Scoop Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure cookies bake evenly and look consistent.

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few small maraschino cherry pieces or mini chocolate chips on top of the cookies just before baking for an extra festive look.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate your indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies in a colorful tin or decorate a cookie platter with fresh cherries and chocolate drizzle to impress guests at parties or gift-giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, then storing in freezer bags for up to 3 months — bake directly from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in the microwave or oven to revive softness and melty chocolate, giving you a freshly baked experience anytime.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and a less sweet flavor, so chopping and drying them thoroughly before adding can work, but the distinct sweetness and color of maraschino cherries make them the ideal choice.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute all brown sugar with granulated sugar, though you may lose some moisture and depth of flavor that brown sugar provides, slightly altering the cookie texture.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will work well; just ensure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking and using room temperature, not melted, butter will help keep the cookies thick and prevent excessive spreading.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans can be stirred into the dough to add crunch and complement the cherry and chocolate flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a wonderfully fun and delicious twist on classic cookies that bring a festive flavor and chewy texture to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to time after time. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and start baking these delightful cookies today!

Related Posts

• Why Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars Delight
• How to Make Delicious Dr. Pepper Brownies
• Why Lemon Rhubarb Loaf with Glaze Will Delight You

Print