Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe That Dazzles

Sweet and playful maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies dance between classic comfort and unexpected delight.

Bright red cherries peek through rich chocolate landscapes, creating visual magic in every bite.

Childhood memories blend with grown-up sophistication in this whimsical treat.

Soft cookie edges cradle bursts of fruity sweetness and decadent chocolate chunks.

Nostalgic flavors intertwine, promising a dessert that sparks conversation and curiosity.

Each morsel tells a story of culinary creativity, inviting you to savor pure joy.

Bake these cookies and watch smiles bloom with every delicious crumb.

Why Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Are A Sweet Surprise

• Craft Delightful Cookies: Discover a simple and enjoyable baking experience that brings joy to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by adjusting chocolate chip and cherry quantities to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these cookies will impress friends and family with their unique flavor combination.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing for quick and convenient baking whenever cravings strike.

All The Good Stuff In Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides rich flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Contributes to the cookie's sweetness and helps with browning.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Almond Extract: Offers a subtle nutty undertone that complements the other flavors.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component that gives the cookies their shape and texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Maraschino Cherries: Add bursts of fruity flavor and a pop of color to the cookies.
• Chocolate Chips: Provide rich, melty chocolate goodness throughout the cookie.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.

Bake Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Fuss

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for hassle-free cookie removal.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light, airy, and super smooth.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Gently introduce eggs one by one into the butter-sugar blend. Pour in vanilla and almond extracts, mixing thoroughly to spread those delicious flavors evenly.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure no lumps remain for a perfectly smooth dry mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir carefully to keep the dough tender and avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Introduce Tasty Mix-Ins

• Chopped maraschino cherries
• Chocolate chips

Distribute evenly for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded dough portions onto prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread.

Step 8: Optional Decorative Touch

Sprinkle extra chopped cherries and chocolate chips on top of each cookie for a stunning look and extra flavor punch.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and centers that are set but still slightly soft.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and firm up.

Step 11: Store for Freshness

Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container to lock in their soft, delectable texture.

Tips To Get The Best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which directly impacts the cookie's texture and taste.
• Soften Butter Strategically: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking, creating the perfect creamy consistency for smooth mixing.
• Control Chocolate Distribution: Gently fold chocolate chips and cherries to prevent overmixing, maintaining delicate cookie structure and even flavor spread.
• Prevent Spreading Mishap: Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to minimize cookie spreading and preserve their beautiful shape during the baking process.
• Achieve Perfect Doneness: Watch cookies closely during final baking minutes, removing them when edges turn golden but centers remain slightly soft for ultimate chewy texture.

Yummy Twists On Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same delectable texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of the classic cookie.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Treat: Swap granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookies' rich flavor profile.
• Nutty Cherry Chocolate Sensation: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and depth, complementing the cherries and chocolate chips perfectly.

Great Pairings With Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Milk: Indulge in a chilled glass of whole milk that smooths the sweet chocolate and tangy cherry notes, creating a classic comfort combination.
• Match with Dessert Wine: Select a light ruby port or sweet moscato that echoes the cherry's fruity essence and balances the rich chocolate undertones.
• Enhance with Nutty Accompaniment: Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti or pecan shortbread to introduce a complementary crunch that highlights the cookie's texture.
• Complement with Coffee: Brew a medium-roast coffee with caramel hints that harmonizes with the cookie's sweet profile and cuts through its richness.

How To Store Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Right

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, preserving their soft texture and delicate flavors.
• Scoop unbaked cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies FAQ Cheat Sheet

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Keep the dough chilled before scooping onto baking sheets. Refrigerate the prepared dough for 30 minutes to help maintain the cookie shape and prevent excessive spreading.

• Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chocolate chips with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference. Each type will create a unique flavor profile for the cookies.

• What if I don't have almond extract?

You can simply omit the almond extract or replace it with additional vanilla extract. The almond extract adds a subtle depth of flavor, but the cookies will still taste delicious without it.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate chips mingle with nostalgic maraschino cherries in these irresistible cookies that blend classic comfort with playful charm. Delightful bites promise pure indulgence, inviting you to savor each memorable morsel of unexpected dessert magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

Binding & Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp almond extract

Optional Decorative Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup additional maraschino cherries (for topping)
• 1/4 cup extra chocolate chips (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
2. Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, followed by vanilla and almond extracts, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt to eliminate any potential lumps and create a uniform dry ingredient blend.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Gently fold chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Optional: Garnish each cookie with additional chopped cherries and chocolate chips on top for enhanced visual appeal and flavor intensity.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers appear slightly soft but set.
10. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and prevent moisture loss.

Notes

• Carefully drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making cookie dough too wet and affecting texture.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips for richer flavor and more luxurious cookie experience that elevates the entire dessert.
• Consider chopping cherries into smaller pieces to distribute flavor more evenly and prevent large wet spots in the cookie dough.
• Experiment with dark or white chocolate chips as delicious alternative variations that complement the sweet cherry flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg