If you love the classic combo of cherries and chocolate, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are going to be your new obsession. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with bits of sweet maraschino cherries and melty chocolate chips in every bite.
I first made these when I had a half-full jar of cherries in the fridge and a craving for something different. The result? A cookie that’s part nostalgic, part unexpected, and completely irresistible. The cherries add a pop of color and a juicy twist that pairs so well with the richness of the chocolate.
What’s great is how easy they are to whip up—no chilling needed, no fancy ingredients. Just a fun, flavorful cookie that feels a little extra without any extra effort. And they’re a hit anywhere—bake sales, holiday trays, or even just a Tuesday treat.
If you’re ready to level up your cookie game with something playful and packed with flavor, these cherry chocolate chip cookies are calling your name.
Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you have a sweet tooth and love a good cookie, you’re in for a treat! Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together two classic flavors that will make your taste buds dance. These cookies are not only delicious but also fun and easy to make. With chewy chocolate chips and the bright pop of cherries, each bite is a delightful surprise.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a casual get-together with friends, or a cozy night at home. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen—who could resist? By incorporating maraschino cherries, we elevate the standard chocolate chip cookie into something truly special and festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking delicious cookies. Here’s what you need:
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) of salted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (patted dry and chopped)
- Flaked salt (for topping)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for added crunch
- Dried cranberries for an extra fruity kick
- Different types of chocolate chips (like milk chocolate or white chocolate)
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Step-By-Step Guide
Making these cookies is a straightforward process; just follow these detailed steps to create your batch:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will not only make for easy cleanup but will also help your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, take the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined. This step ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for a balanced flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of your electric mixer, add the softened butter along with both types of sugar (brown and granulated). Beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Once fluffy, add the egg and egg yolk, mixing until everything is well combined. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Now, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix! Next, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough to ensure every cookie has a little bit of cherry and chocolate.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Take a cookie scoop or a tablespoon and scoop out portions of dough, shaping them into balls about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons in size. Arrange the dough balls on your lined baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This will allow room for spreading while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want them to be just set and lightly golden on the edges. While they’re still warm, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaked salt on top for that perfect sweet and salty combination. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- A Simple Treat: Enjoy them fresh from the oven with a glass of milk. The warm cookies paired with cold milk offer a comforting and delightful experience.
- Share with Friends: Stack them on a dessert platter and serve at your next gathering. These cookies also make excellent gifts when packaged nicely in a box or jar.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create a sweet ice cream sandwich. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
- Festive Touch: For a holiday gathering, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or add colorful sprinkles to elevate their presentation.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a better texture for your cookies.
Patted Dry Cherries: Don’t forget to pat your maraschino cherries dry before chopping them. Excess moisture can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading and results in a thicker cookie.
Watch the Baking Time: The cookies should be just set when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
Easy Variations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Feel free to play around with this recipe to suit your taste preferences! Here are some easy variations:
Chocolate Swap: Try different types of chocolate chips. You can use dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a unique flavor.
Add Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. This adds texture and flavor contrast.
More Fruit: Substitute dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and added fruitiness.
Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies.
Storage Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
Room Temperature Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: For longer storage, these cookies freeze well! Layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between each layer to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.
Avoid Humidity: Keep cookies away from humidity, as it can make them soft and soggy. An airtight container is your best bet!
Final Thoughts
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional cookie, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion. Their chewy texture combined with the sweetness of chocolate and a hint of tartness from cherries makes each mouthful an absolute joy. Plus, they are easy enough to whip up any day of the week, whether for a special gathering or just to satisfy your sweet cravings. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and bring a little joy into your kitchen with these delicious cookies!
FAQs About Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Can I use a different type of cherry?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries, but make sure to chop them and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can make a few substitutions, such as using vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) to replace the eggs.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
4. What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets for the cookies to spread as they bake.
With this easy-to-follow recipe and the right tips, you’ll be on your way to baking some truly scrumptious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies that everyone will love! Enjoy!
