These soft and chewy cookies combine the sweet burst of maraschino cherries with the richness of semisweet chocolate chips. With their festive look and indulgent flavor, they’re a perfect treat for holidays, cookie exchanges, or whenever you’re craving something unique and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic chocolate chip cookie with a cherry twist
- Soft, chewy texture that stays fresh for days
- Festive and colorful—perfect for holidays and celebrations
- Easy to prepare with everyday pantry ingredients
- No chilling required, ready in under 30 minutes
- Kid-friendly and great for cookie exchanges
- Pairs beautifully with coffee or milk
- Easy to customize with different chocolates or nuts
- Flaked salt topping enhances flavor beautifully
- A delightful balance of fruity and chocolaty goodness
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Flaked salt, for topping (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls (1.5–2 tablespoons) of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are just set.
- Optionally, sprinkle flaked salt on warm cookies for added depth.
- Cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Calories per cookie: Approximately 130 kcal
Variations
- Dark chocolate twist: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor
- Nutty addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Gluten-free version: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Mini version: Make bite-sized cookies using a smaller scoop
- Extra cherry: Add a splash of maraschino cherry juice for more cherry flavor
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Freezing: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries add a unique sweetness and color, but you can use fresh cherries—just chop and pit them well and reduce moisture.
Do I need to pat the cherries dry?
Yes, drying them prevents excess moisture from making the dough soggy.
Can I use white chocolate chips instead?
Absolutely! White chocolate pairs wonderfully with cherries for a sweet and creamy flavor.
Why is flaked salt used on top?
Flaked salt enhances both the sweetness of the cookie and the richness of the chocolate.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required, making these quick and easy to bake.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe scales well—just ensure you have enough baking sheets ready.
What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?
Use a sharp knife and paper towels to absorb extra juice for easier chopping.
Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
Yes, they hold their shape and texture well, making them great for gifting or mailing.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use a plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make them dairy-free.
What type of flour should I use?
All-purpose flour works best for a chewy, stable cookie structure.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive and flavorful twist on the classic cookie we all love. With their soft centers, bursts of cherry, and melty chocolate chips, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Perfect for parties, gifts, or simple indulgence, this recipe is a must-bake for any cookie lover.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with These Treats
If you love the combination of cherries and chocolate, you’ll want to explore these other indulgent desserts:
- Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Chip Cookies – A gooey, rich upgrade to the classic cookie.
- Pink Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake – A vibrant, romantic dessert that’s perfect for pink-themed celebrations.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins – Fruity, moist, and perfect with tea or coffee.
- Luscious Banoffee Pie Cookies – Cookies layered with banana and toffee flavors.
- Samoa Cheesecake – For coconut and chocolate lovers who want something decadent.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy cookies combine the sweetness of maraschino cherries with rich semisweet chocolate chips, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this mixture into the butter mixture.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Drain cherries thoroughly and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
- Use dark or white chocolate chips for variety.
- Chill dough for 20 minutes if it’s too soft to scoop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg