If you’re looking for a cookie that’s equal parts sweet, playful, and totally irresistible, you’re in for a treat! Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are like little bites of pure happiness. Picture this: soft, buttery cookies studded with melty chocolate chips and juicy pops of bright red cherries. It’s like a party in every bite! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because (honestly, who needs a reason?), trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for these beauties.

Why You’ll Love Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie tray, a sweet gift for someone special, or simply treating yourself to a cozy baking day, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for parties, holidays, gifting, or just a little everyday magic.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep means you’ll have a batch of cookies ready to devour in no time.

Customizable: Swap out chocolate types or add nuts if you’re feeling adventurous.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s the magic of these cookies they come together with a handful of simple ingredients, but the end result is anything but ordinary. Let’s check them out:

Butter: The rich and creamy base that gives these cookies their irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal and helps the cookies get that lovely slight crisp on the edges.

Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and extra chewiness.

Egg: Helps bind everything together for the perfect cookie structure.

Vanilla Extract: A must for that warm, comforting flavor background.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie dough giving it the perfect body.

Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay light and soft.

Salt: Balances all the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.

Maraschino Cherries: The star of the show bright sweet and juicy little gems in every bite.

Chocolate Chips: Because cherry and chocolate together are just pure magic.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Preheating ensures your cookies bake evenly for the perfect texture.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a total breeze.

Assemble the Dish: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.

Cook to Perfection: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.

Finishing Touches: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly without breaking apart.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm for the ultimate gooey chocolate and cherry experience or let them cool completely for a delightful chewy bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 160 calories
(Note: Nutrition facts may vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.)

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 fabulous straight off the baking sheet but if you want to dress them up a little here’s how:
Serve them with a tall glass of cold milk for the classic cookie experience.
Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an unforgettable ice cream sandwich.
Pile them onto a pretty plate and dust with a little powdered sugar for a festive look.
Package them up in cute bags or tins for adorable homemade gifts.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Pat the maraschino cherries dry before chopping to avoid too much extra moisture in the dough.
Use good-quality chocolate chips for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t overbake they should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want slightly thicker cookies.
Add a splash of almond extract if you love that classic cherry almond flavor combo.
Use a cookie scoop for even portions and even baking.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.
If you’re using mini chocolate chips reduce the amount slightly so the cherries still shine.
Store in an airtight container to keep the cookies soft and chewy for days.
Double the recipe because everyone will be asking for more.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have more moisture and a different flavor so it’s best to stick with maraschino cherries for this recipe.

2. Should I chop the maraschino cherries?
Yes chop them into small pieces to get little bits of cherry goodness in every bite.

3. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate?
Absolutely White chocolate and cherries are a dreamy combo.

4. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps keep them thicker.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.

6. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Definitely Scoop into balls and freeze then bake straight from frozen adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

7. How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

8. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

9. What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips balance the sweetness of the cherries perfectly.

10. Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
Sure Just adjust the baking time accordingly larger cookies will need a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate sweet treat for when you want something a little extra special. They’re playful nostalgic and absolutely bursting with flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re baking a batch to share or just to treat yourself these cookies are sure to bring big smiles all around. So grab that jar of cherries and let’s get baking your taste buds are about to fall in love!

Print