The first bite of a Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie is like a joyful explosion of flavors—soft, chewy, and sweet with a delightful surprise of cherry in every nibble. You know that moment when you’re looking for something a little different, something that doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth but lifts your spirit? This cookie elevates the traditional chocolate chip experience into something playfully unique. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies promise to be a showstopper.
With the rich, creamy chocolate mingling seamlessly with the bright burst of maraschino cherries, each cookie becomes a colorful treat that’s not just delicious but visually stunning as well. Plus, they’re versatile—swap in dark chocolate for a deeper flavor or add extra cherries on top for a fun presentation! Let’s dive into this recipe and bring some joy to your kitchen with these irresistible treats.
Why will you love Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Delightful Flavor Fusion: The combination of chocolate and maraschino cherries creates a sweet, tangy explosion in every bite.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Visually Appealing: Their colorful appearance makes them a showstopper at any gathering.
Versatile Recipe: Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or add extra cherries for a unique twist.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for holiday trays, bake sales, or just an afternoon treat to brighten your day.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – Essential for structure; a gluten-free blend can be used as a substitute.
- Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; using sea salt can add an interesting depth.
- Unsalted butter – Provides rich flavor and tenderness; margarine or coconut oil can work in its place.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and creates that delightful crisp edge.
- Brown sugar – Contributes moisture and chewiness; opt for dark brown sugar for a caramel-like taste.
- Egg – Binds everything together; for a vegan version, use a flax egg as a substitute.
- Vanilla extract – A must-have for flavor enhancement; pure vanilla extract is best.
- Chopped maraschino cherries – Burst of sweetness and color; remember to drain and chop them thoroughly to reduce excess moisture.
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet) – Balances out the sweetness; feel free to swap for milk or dark chocolate chips.
For Garnish (Optional)
- Additional cherries – Adds a fun visual and flavor boost on top.
- Chocolate chips – Sprinkle some on top for a bakery-style finish.
Embrace these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with both creativity and warmth, and watch as they become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Prep Cherries: Start by draining the maraschino cherries, then chop them into small pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this keeps your cookie dough from getting soggy.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This creates your dry mix and helps ensure even distribution.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—around 2-3 minutes should do the trick!
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Incorporate Eggs: Add in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully combined. This step contributes to the overall texture and delicious flavor.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cookie’s texture.
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Fold in Add-ins: With a spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Embrace the playfulness of this step—make sure the cherries and chocolate are evenly distributed!
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Chill Dough (optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. A properly heated oven ensures consistent baking for your cookies.
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Scoop and Bake: Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Cool: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate on top for extra sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Drain Well: Ensure cherries are thoroughly drained and patted dry to prevent a soggy cookie dough. Excess moisture is the enemy!
- Mixing Tips: Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy rather than tough.
- Chill Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes before baking. This helps retain shape during baking!
- Chocolate Choice: While semi-sweet chocolate is recommended, don’t hesitate to experiment with milk or dark chocolate for different flavor profiles.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake—remove them just as the edges turn golden for that perfect chewy texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a lifesaver for busy home cooks looking to streamline their baking! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first six steps of the recipe and then refrigerating the dough in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The chopped cherries can also be prepped ahead, simply refrigerate them after draining and chopping to keep them juicy. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto a prepared baking sheet and bake as directed. You’ll enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies that taste just as delightful as if you made them on the spot!
Storage Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and chewy for your enjoyment.
- Fridge: For longer-lasting freshness, you can refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, though they might lose some softness.
- Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time for freshly baked Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Reheating: To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with your cookies—these delightful treats are tailor-made for personal twists that spark joy!
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Fresh Cherries: Swap out maraschino cherries for chopped fresh cherries to elevate the flavor with a seasonal touch. Their natural sweetness can brighten every bite.
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Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a rich, intense flavor experience that beautifully complements the cherries. The contrast is divine!
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Nuts Galore: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. The nutty texture pairs perfectly with the chewy cookies and enhances each mouthful.
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Coconut Bliss: Sprinkle in shredded coconut for a tropical flair that marries well with chocolate and cherries. This twist adds a lovely chewiness and interesting flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a surprising warmth. A hint of spice takes your cookie adventure to a whole new level!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies accessible to those with dietary restrictions. No one should miss out on this joy!
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Extra Toppings: Press additional cherries and chocolate chips on top before baking for an eye-catching bakery-style finish. They’ll be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate!
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Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use coconut oil instead of butter. Who says plant-based can’t be delicious?
Let your creativity shine while baking these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies—each variation is a chance to put your personal stamp on a much-loved classic!
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Creating a delightful moment is all about pairing these wonderfully chewy cookies with the perfect accompaniments.
- Fresh Milk: Perfect for dunking, a cold glass of milk complements the sweetness of your cookies while enhancing their chewy texture.
- Creamy Ice Cream: Vanilla or cherry ice cream adds a smooth, creamy contrast to the cookies, providing a delightful temperature play.
- Fruit Salad: A bright, refreshing fruit salad with berries or citrus offers a light balance to the richness of the cookies. Each bite becomes a celebration of flavors.
- Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavor of coffee pulls out the chocolate notes in the cookies, making for an indulgent afternoon treat that energizes!
- Chocolate Ganache Dip: For an extra indulgence, serve a small bowl of warm chocolate ganache for dipping; it intensifies the chocolate experience!
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, can create a calming atmosphere, bringing a touch of elegance to your cookie affair.
- Nutty Trail Mix: Pair your cookies with a crunchy nut mix for added texture and flavor—think almonds, walnuts, and a sprinkle of sea salt!
- Cheese Plate: Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone create a luxurious combination, offering a rich contrast to the sweet, fruity notes of the cookies.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of maraschino cherries should I use?
Absolutely! Opt for the classic maraschino cherries packed in syrup. They offer a delightful burst of sweetness. If you’re looking for a fresher option, chopped fresh cherries can also be used for a less sweet and more tart flavor.
How should I store my cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, though they may lose some softness.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Very! To freeze your cookie dough, scoop the dough into individual balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and add 1-2 minutes to the typical baking time.
My cookies are spreading too much while baking; how can I fix this?
If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, don’t worry—this can be fixed! First, make sure your butter isn’t too soft; using slightly chilled, softened butter can help maintain the cookie shape. Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking usually does the trick. If the problem persists, try reducing the amount of butter slightly in the next batch.
Can my pets eat maraschino cherries?
No, it’s best to avoid giving your pets maraschino cherries. The syrup and added sugars can be harmful to them. Stick to pet-safe treats, and enjoy these cookies as a delightful indulgence for yourself!
How can I enhance the flavor of these cookies?
I recommend adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a warm, spiced flavor. You could also swap in different types of chocolate chips—milk or dark chocolate can add a rich twist. Plus, pressing extra cherries or chocolate chips on top before baking can create a fun and inviting presentation.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Chewy Surprise
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drain the maraschino cherries, chop them into small pieces, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
- If preferred, cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.