Hello, Cookie Lovers!
What if I told you that you could elevate your classic chocolate chip cookie recipe with a touch of fruity charm? That’s where these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come in! These soft, chewy delights blend the rich, melty goodness of chocolate chips with the juicy sweetness of maraschino cherries.
Imagine biting into a cookie with a perfect balance of decadent chocolate and a pop of cherry flavor. These cookies are as visually stunning as they are delicious, with little ruby-red cherry bits peeking through every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie platter, a potluck, or just a cozy treat for yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. Trust me—once you try them, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
A Quick Glance at the Recipe
These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, featuring maraschino cherries for a fruity, festive flavor. Easy to make and utterly irresistible!
My Cherry Cookie Story
These cookies first came to life during one of my kitchen experiments. I had some leftover maraschino cherries and thought, “Why not toss them into a cookie dough?” The result? My family couldn’t get enough! Now, these cookies are a must-have for every holiday season and special occasion.
Why You’ll Love Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
What Makes Them Special:
- Unique Flavor: Sweet cherries pair beautifully with rich chocolate.
- Visually Stunning: Bright pops of red make these cookies perfect for holidays or gifts.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep.
- Soft and Chewy: The perfect cookie texture every time.
Cuisine:
American
Tips for Success
- Drain the Cherries Well: Excess moisture can make the cookies soggy, so be sure to pat the cherries dry.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Pull them from the oven when the edges are just golden.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Substitutions and Variations
- White Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet for white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Add Almond Extract: A splash of almond extract enhances the cherry flavor.
- Holiday Flair: Add red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
Make It Healthier
- Use dark chocolate chips for less sugar.
- Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for reduced fat.
- Opt for a natural sweetener like coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
A Sweet Goodbye
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect way to combine classic comfort with a fun, fruity twist. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe will never disappoint. Happy baking!
Relevant Categories
Desserts, Cookies, Holiday Treats
Tags
Cookies, Maraschino Cherries, Chocolate Chip, Holiday Baking, Easy Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, but make sure to pit and chop them finely, and reduce their moisture. - Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time. - What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. - Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?
Yes, chocolate chunks add an extra layer of decadence. - Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Their unique flavor and festive look make them perfect for gift boxes. - Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
It’s optional, but chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape. - Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. - How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough and ensuring the cherries are dry will help. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches. - What other mix-ins can I add?
Try chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a dash of cinnamon for added flavor.
Enjoy every sweet, chewy, chocolatey bite! 🍒🍪
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Description
What if I told you that you could elevate your classic chocolate chip cookie recipe with a touch of fruity charm? That’s where these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come in!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ 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 semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
Optional Garnish:
- Additional chocolate chips
- Whole maraschino cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press a few extra chocolate chips onto the top of each dough ball for a bakery-style look.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
