Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor, perfectly balanced with rich chocolate chips. These delightful cookies have a beautiful pink hue, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any time you want a fun and festive treat. The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone reaching for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy – These cookies have the perfect texture thanks to the maraschino cherries.
- Delightfully Sweet – The cherries add a fruity burst that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Easy to Make – No special techniques required, just mix, scoop, and bake!
- Festive and Fun – Their pink color makes them great for holidays and celebrations.
- Customizable – Adjust the chocolate, add nuts, or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cherries – Drain maraschino cherries well, pat them dry with paper towels, and chop into small pieces. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in Cherries & Chocolate Chips – Gently stir in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Scoop & Bake – Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & Serve – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate.
- Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Double Chocolate: Mix in cocoa powder for an extra chocolatey cookie.
- Cherry Almond Delight: Increase the almond extract and add slivered almonds.
- Dipped in Chocolate: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds to make them warm and gooey again.
FAQs
Do I need to dry the maraschino cherries before adding them?
Yes! Excess moisture can make the dough too wet, so be sure to pat them dry.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
You can, but they may release more liquid, so adjust the flour if needed.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips balance the sweetness of the cherries, but white chocolate also works well.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Too much liquid from the cherries or overly softened butter can cause spreading. Try chilling the dough before baking.
Can I use cherry juice in the dough?
A small amount (1-2 teaspoons) can enhance the flavor, but too much will alter the texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Can I substitute almond extract?
Yes, you can leave it out or replace it with extra vanilla extract.
What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?
Use a sharp knife and pat them dry after chopping to remove excess liquid.
How do I prevent cookies from becoming too soft or cakey?
Make sure to measure flour accurately and avoid overmixing the dough.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun, festive, and flavorful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. Their soft texture, sweet cherry flavor, and rich chocolate chips make them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you make them for a holiday, party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try different variations, get creative with decorations, and enjoy these delightful treats!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft and chewy cookies bursting with cherry flavor and loaded with chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg, vanilla, and cherry juice.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients, then fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool before enjoying.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add white chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
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