Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Picture this: warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies with a little twist—tangy maraschino cherries tucked inside, adding a pop of color and sweetness to each bite. That’s exactly what you get with these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. The cherries provide a delightful contrast to the rich, melty chocolate chips, making every bite feel like a little celebration. Trust me, these cookies are the perfect combination of fruity and chocolatey goodness, and once you try them, you’ll want to make a batch for every occasion.

These cookies have that perfect chewy texture and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth without being overly sugary. They’re fun, vibrant, and absolutely irresistible, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family or just keeping all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips creates a flavor profile that’s both surprising and delicious.
  • Chewy & Soft: These cookies have the perfect chewy texture, with a slight crispness around the edges and a soft center.
  • Eye-Catching: The maraschino cherries add a pop of color, making these cookies not only tasty but fun to look at too.
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, making it an easy treat to whip up when that cookie craving hits.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a casual treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bake up these delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:

For the Cookies:

  • Butter: Softened, for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Sugar: A mix of white and brown sugar for sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor.
  • Eggs: Two large eggs for binding and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: For a hint of vanilla flavor that complements the sweetness of the cherries and chocolate.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough.
  • Baking Soda: To help the cookies rise and achieve that chewy texture.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
  • Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate—whichever you prefer, for that signature cookie bite.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Drain and chop these sweet, juicy cherries for that fruity surprise inside each cookie.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking and fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of fresh cookies!

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 minutes.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Cherries:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. Be sure to distribute the cherries and chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.

6. Scoop the Dough:

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread as they bake, so give them plenty of room.

7. Bake:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them—every oven is different, and you don’t want to overbake these!

8. Cool:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving: 1 cookie)
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee, serving them at a party, or packing them in a lunchbox. Here are a few ideas:

  • With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing better than a freshly baked cookie with a cold glass of milk. The sweetness of the cookie pairs perfectly with the creamy milk.
  • Gift Idea: Pack a few cookies in a cute tin or box and share them with friends or family. These cookies make a great homemade gift!
  • As a Dessert: Serve them at the end of a meal, or use them as a base for an ice cream sandwich.
  • With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with your favorite hot beverage for a comforting snack.

Additional Tips

  • Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and keeps them thick and chewy.
  • Use the Right Cherries: Make sure to use maraschino cherries (not fresh ones) for that signature sweetness and color. Drain and chop them to avoid excess liquid in the dough.
  • Customize the Recipe: If you love nuts, feel free to add in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A1: While maraschino cherries are best for this recipe, you can use fresh cherries. Just chop them finely and make sure to remove as much moisture as possible.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the dough by scooping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: What if I don’t have brown sugar?
A3: You can substitute white sugar for brown sugar, but the flavor might be slightly different. Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel flavor that makes these cookies extra delicious.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A4: Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Q5: How do I keep the cookies soft?
A5: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a marshmallow to help maintain their softness.

Q6: How can I make these cookies less sweet?
A6: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar by about ¼ cup, or use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.

Q7: Can I add other mix-ins?
A7: Absolutely! Try adding white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even coconut flakes for a different flavor profile.

Q8: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A8: The cookies should be golden brown around the edges, with slightly soft centers. Don’t worry if they look a little underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Q9: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A9: Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready.

Q10: Are these cookies safe to make with kids?
A10: Definitely! The dough is simple to make, and kids will love helping mix in the cherries and chocolate chips. Just be careful when baking, as the oven can get hot.

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on a classic favorite! With their chewy texture, rich chocolate, and sweet cherries, they’re sure to become a hit in your household. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, these cookies are the perfect sweet treat to brighten your day. Go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to these delicious cookies—you won’t regret it!

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Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight


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  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips in these delightful cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a chewy texture with a burst of fruity flavor and a decadent chocolatey touch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
  • Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Shape and Bake the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Cherries: After chopping the maraschino cherries, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming too soft.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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