If you’re searching for a cookie that’s indulgently chocolatey with a pop of cherry brightness in every bite, Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are destined to be your new favorite. These cookies combine the classic comfort of chocolate chips with the playful, vibrant flavor and color of maraschino cherries, creating a treat that’s both familiar and unexpected. With a delightfully soft texture and a beautiful appearance, they’re impossible to resist, whether you’re baking for a holiday tray or just want a sweet afternoon snack.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies comes from a simple list of pantry staples, combined with a few colorful, flavorful twists. Each ingredient plays a special role, balancing texture, taste, and mouthwatering appeal.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure so your cookies have the perfect chew and won’t spread too thin.
Baking soda: Adds just the right lift, giving each cookie a soft, tender crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the flavors of both the chocolate and cherries.
Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture; softening is key for even mixing.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
Packed brown sugar: Deepens flavor with hints of caramel, making the cookies irresistibly moist.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to that soft, chewy bite.
Vanilla extract: Amp up the aroma and round out all the flavors for true cookie bliss.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Ensure bursts of melty chocolate in every bite; semi-sweet pairs perfectly with cherries without being too sweet.
Chopped maraschino cherries (well-drained): The star ingredient! Adds fruity pizzazz, color, and fun.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven

Start by setting the stage for baking success! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your dough is ready. Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper will help prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, it ensures your cookies bake up with beautifully golden bottoms.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step makes all the difference for even rising and flavor distribution, guaranteeing that every cookie has that ideal, soft-yet-chewy structure we crave in Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. This is your ticket to cookies with tender middles and crisp, golden edges. Take your time and let the mixer do its magic!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant foundation that will make your kitchen smell like a bakery. These little steps ensure your dough comes together smoothly and tastes amazing.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can toughen cookies, so as soon as you don’t see dry streaks, you’re done! Your dough should look plush and inviting, ready for add-ins.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Maraschino Cherries

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and those star chopped maraschino cherries, making sure every scoop of dough has a bit of chocolate and cherry. The cherries add pops of color and juicy flavor, transforming classic chocolate chip cookies into unforgettable Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft—don’t over-bake! Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer your cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! For an extra pretty presentation, consider topping each freshly baked cookie with a few extra chocolate chips or an additional cherry half. You can even drizzle a bit of melted dark or white chocolate over the tops for a bakery-worthy look.

Side Dishes

These cookies are delightful with a glass of cold milk, a mug of hot coffee, or even served alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The chocolate and cherry combo also pairs wonderfully with a tangy fruit salad for a fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Package a stack of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in a pretty cellophane bag tied with ribbon for sweet gifts, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a festive touch at parties. For a fun twist, use them as the base of an ice cream sandwich—just add your favorite flavor in between two cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 4 to 5 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

If you want to save some cookies for later, freeze them! Let the cookies cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake straight from the freezer for fresh cookies on demand.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their gooey chocolate and soft, tender texture—so worth it!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they’ll bring more moisture, which might affect the cookie’s texture. If you experiment, be sure to pit, chop, and pat them very dry before folding into the dough.

What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries without making a mess?

Drain the cherries thoroughly, then gently blot them on paper towels before chopping. This keeps excess juice out of your dough, which helps the cookies bake up perfectly rather than soggy.

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips add extra creaminess and a sweet contrast to the tart-sweet cherries, creating a slightly different but equally delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Will the cookies stay soft after a few days?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies retain their signature softness for several days. Place a slice of bread in the container, and it’ll help prevent the cookies from drying out.

What can I do if my cookie dough looks too wet?

The maraschino cherries can add extra moisture, so if your dough is too sticky to work with, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This makes scooping easier and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something truly special and a little bit playful, you simply have to try making these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re bursting with chocolate, cherry goodness, and guaranteed to spark smiles. Pour a glass of milk, gather your favorite people, and enjoy every irresistible bite!