Best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a cookie that perfectly balances the fruity sweetness of cherries with the melty richness of chocolate, look no further than Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. These deliciously soft Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies burst with sweet cherry flavor and rich chocolate chips in every bite, making them a standout treat that’s both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for an irresistible, cherry-infused twist on a classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite.
• Balanced Sweetness: The natural tang of Maraschino cherries pairs beautifully with sweet chocolate chips.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients you likely have on hand, coming together quickly for fuss-free baking.
• Visually Stunning: Bright red cherries add a pop of color that makes these cookies irresistible.
• Customizable: Great base recipe that can be adapted for various dietary preferences or flavor additions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the cookie’s luxurious flavor, tender crumb, or vibrant appearance.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for soft yet sturdy cookies.
• Baking soda: Helps your cookies rise just right and spread evenly.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb when creamed.
• Granulated sugar: Delivers sweetness and a slight crispness around the edges.
• Brown sugar: Brings moisture and adds depth with its molasses notes.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with warm, inviting notes.
• Chopped Maraschino cherries: The star of the show, infusing each bite with juicy, sweet cherry flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Classic semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add melty, rich pockets of flavor throughout.

Variations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Feel free to make this recipe your own! These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly adaptable, so you can easily tweak them to fit your taste buds or dietary needs without losing any of that wonderful flavor.

• Nutty delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone.
• White chocolate twist: Swap semi-sweet chips for creamy white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier contrast.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten.
• Vegan magic: Substitute butter with coconut oil and flax eggs for a plant-based variation.
• Cherry-chocolate swirl: Mix in a tablespoon of cherry preserves for even more intense cherry flavor.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Drain the Maraschino cherries well and chop them into small pieces, ensuring they’ll distribute evenly through the dough.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even rise and consistent flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for those irresistibly soft cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients help bind the dough and add richness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped Maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden but the centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy fresh or store for later!

Pro Tips for Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures smoother dough and better mixing.
• Drain cherries well: To avoid soggy dough, make sure to thoroughly drain and gently pat Maraschino cherries dry.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep cookies tender and avoid toughness.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly with less mess.
• Watch baking time closely: Take cookies out just before edges brown for a soft, chewy center.

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts over the tops of warm cookies for added texture and a festive look.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and comforting combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies on a decorative platter mixed with fresh cherries or dipped halfway in melted chocolate for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag once solid, for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate chips.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of Maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and less sweetness, which can affect the cookie texture; if using fresh, consider reducing other liquids or adding a bit more sugar to balance flavors.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips offer a lovely balance to the sweet cherries, but white chocolate chips are also a fantastic alternative for a creamier flavor.

How do I prevent cherries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss chopped Maraschino cherries lightly in flour before folding into the dough to help them stay suspended during baking.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for similar texture and taste.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cookies that combine vibrant cherry sweetness with classic chocolate chip indulgence, Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are calling your name. This recipe is easy enough for any home baker and produces a batch of cookies that never fail to impress. Give them a try, share with loved ones, and watch these delightful treats become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

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