Tired of the same old chocolate chip cookies that taste flat and predictable? Maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies are here to transform your cookie game with a burst of sweet, tangy flavor that’ll have everyone asking for your secret! These aren’t your grandmother’s ordinary cookies they’re a delightful fusion of classic comfort and creative surprise.
At Cooks Foody, our journey began with Jack’s kitchen experiments and the beautiful chaos of trial and error. I remember the day Elizabeth Harper, our Austin-based culinary innovator, first suggested adding maraschino cherries to our beloved chocolate chip recipe.
What if we could capture the essence of a chocolate-covered cherry in cookie form?” she wondered aloud. After countless batches and collaborative tweaking with our Portland creative Daniel Brooks, we perfected this show-stopping treat.
As a team that’s spent years refining comfort classics with fresh twists, I can confidently say these maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies deliver the perfect balance of familiar and extraordinary. You’ll discover our secret ingredient ratios, texture-perfecting techniques, and creative variations that will make these your new signature cookies.
Why This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds where others fall short by focusing on three crucial elements: vibrant flavor harmony, foolproof convenience, and endless versatility that adapts to any occasion.
• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients that you can find at any grocery store
• Ready in just 25 minutes from mixing bowl to cooling rack
• Perfect for holiday parties, bake sales, or cozy weeknight treats
• Balances sweet chocolate with tangy cherry for a sophisticated flavor profile
• Delivers bakery-quality results with simple home kitchen techniques
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
The secret to exceptional maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies lies in selecting quality ingredients that complement rather than compete with each other.
Best Cherries for This Recipe
Maraschino cherries are the star, but not all cherries are created equal. Look for bright red, plump cherries with minimal artificial coloring. Luxardo maraschino cherries offer superior flavor if you want to splurge, while standard grocery store varieties work beautifully for everyday baking.
Chocolate Selection Tips
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the ideal balance against the cherries’ sweetness. Choose chips that hold their shape during baking – brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard maintain structure while melting just enough for perfect texture.
Smart Substitutions
Swap dried cherries for a more intense, less sweet flavor, or try mini chocolate chips for better distribution throughout each cookie. White chocolate chips create a stunning color contrast that’s perfect for holiday presentations.
Ingredients & Prep for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cookie Base Essentials
Start with room temperature butter for proper creaming – this creates the tender, chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible. Cold ingredients won’t incorporate properly, leading to dense, tough cookies.
Cherry Preparation Techniques
• Drain cherries thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels
• Chop into small pieces to distribute flavor evenly
• Toss with flour to prevent sinking during baking
• Reserve 2 tablespoons of cherry juice for extra flavor boost
Pantry Staples Checklist
Essential ingredients include all-purpose flour, brown sugar for moisture, vanilla extract for depth, and baking soda for proper lift. The combination of brown and white sugars creates the perfect chewy-crispy texture balance.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pre-Cooking Prep for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring butter and eggs to room temperature 30 minutes before mixing. This crucial step ensures even mixing and prevents butter chunks in your final dough.
Mixing Method for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cream butter with both sugars for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla and reserved cherry juice
- Gradually mix in flour mixture until just combined
- Fold in prepared cherries and chocolate chips by hand
Baking Process for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone. Perfect cookies will have golden edges with soft, pale centers.
Cooling Technique for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. This resting period allows them to finish cooking while maintaining that perfect chewy texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Avoiding Dense or Flat Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Don’t overmix once flour is added – this develops too much gluten, creating tough cookies. Chill dough for 30 minutes if it seems too soft, and never bake on hot cookie sheets.
Essential Tool Recommendations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
A stand mixer makes creaming effortless, while a cookie scoop ensures uniform size and even baking. Invest in heavy-duty baking sheets that won’t warp under high heat.
Storage & Freshness for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Store in airtight containers for up to one week, or freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain that perfect texture.
For more inspiring dessert ideas, check out our collection on Pinterest at pinterest you’ll discover hundreds of tested recipes that bring joy to every kitchen!
Flavor Variations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Transform your basic recipe into exciting new creations that cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
Sweet & Tart Twist for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add lemon zest and a splash of almond extract for a sophisticated flavor profile that highlights the cherries’ natural tartness. This combination creates an almost amaretto-like depth.
Holiday Special for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Incorporate crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips for a festive twist that’s perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges and winter celebrations.
Global Flavors for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Best Occasions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian-Inspired | Amaretto extract, pistachios | Sophisticated, nutty | Dinner parties, gifts |
| Tropical Twist | Coconut flakes, lime zest | Fresh, exotic | Summer gatherings |
| Spiced Delight | Cinnamon, cardamom | Warm, aromatic | Fall celebrations |
| Black Forest | Cocoa powder, extra cherries | Rich, decadent | Romantic dinners |
Serving Suggestions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These versatile maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies shine in countless serving scenarios, from casual snacking to elegant dessert presentations.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of cherry syrup for an indulgent sundae
• Serve alongside our Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut for a balanced fall menu
• Create cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting for special occasions
• Crumble over yogurt parfaits for a delightful breakfast treat
• Package in decorative tins as thoughtful homemade gifts
FAQs About Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I use fresh cherries in maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies?
Fresh cherries contain too much moisture and will make your cookies soggy. Stick with maraschino cherries that have been properly drained and patted dry for best results.
How do I prevent my maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies from spreading too much?
Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking, ensure your butter isn’t too warm, and don’t place dough on hot baking sheets. Properly measured flour also prevents excessive spreading.
Can I make maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Baked cookies stay fresh in airtight containers for one week.
Why do my maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies taste too sweet?
Balance the sweetness by reducing sugar slightly and adding a pinch of sea salt to your dough. The salt enhances other flavors while mellowing excessive sweetness.
Conclusion
Fire up your oven and treat yourself to these incredible maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies tonight! The combination of tangy cherries and rich chocolate creates a flavor experience that transforms ordinary cookie time into something truly special.
Join the thousands of home bakers who’ve made these cookies their new favorite treat! At Cooks Foody, we believe every recipe should bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table. These cookies deliver both in abundance.
Ready for your next baking adventure? Try our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for more chocolate-cherry inspiration, or explore our Lemon Macarons for elegant French pastry techniques. Happy baking!
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Twist!
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and bursting with cherry-chocolate flavor these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun, festive treat with bits of sweet cherries and gooey chocolate chips in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: 1–2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice for color and flavor
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. If desired, add a tablespoon or two of cherry juice for extra flavor and a pink hue.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.
8. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra cherry flavor, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple cherry glaze.
Ensure cherries are well-dried to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: maraschino cherry cookies, chocolate chip cherry cookies, cherry chocolate dessert, pink cookies, holiday cookies