Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you love the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies but crave a fun twist with bursts of bright, fruity flavor, then you absolutely have to try Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. These delightful treats marry the rich, melty goodness of semisweet chocolate chips with the juicy, tangy-sweet surprise of maraschino cherries, creating a cookie experience that’s both familiar and exciting. With a tender, buttery dough as a base, every bite delivers an inviting mix of textures and flavors that will have you baking these again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients sets you up for success with these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Each element plays a crucial part, from buttery smoothness to the perfect chew and those standout cherries that brighten every mouthful.

• Unsalted butter: Softened to creamy perfection, it creates richness and tenderness in your cookie dough.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that classic crisp edge.
• Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth to your cookies.
• Large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together while contributing to the chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the cookie’s aroma and flavor with a warm, inviting note.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving structure and stability.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft yet tender.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Maraschino cherries: Chopped and drained, these add bursts of juicy, vibrant color and sweetness that make each cookie special.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Classic pockets of melty chocolate goodness that everyone loves.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter silky. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with that irresistible classic cookie aroma.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl until well combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together—avoiding overmixing keeps the cookies tender and soft.

Step 4: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries along with the semisweet chocolate chips. Making sure these goodie-packed chunks are evenly distributed means every cookie will have those delightful pops of flavor and color.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft for that perfect chewy texture. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Add a personal touch by garnishing your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a whole maraschino cherry or a few chocolate shavings on top just before serving. It not only looks stunning but enhances every bite with an extra pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a creamy cup of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert pairing that feels like a cozy hug. The fruity cherry and rich chocolate flavors balance wonderfully with refreshing or creamy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, stack your cookies with parchment paper between layers and tie with a festive ribbon. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of cherry-infused buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This prevents them from drying out and keeps that chewy, soft texture just right.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ready to enjoy whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or leftover cookies, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to bring back that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate feeling. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make cookies tough.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a different texture and moisture level than maraschino cherries, which could affect your cookie’s consistency. If you want to try fresh cherries, be sure to pit and finely chop them, and reduce any added liquids in the dough slightly to avoid sogginess.

What type of chocolate chips work best for these cookies?

Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal because their balanced sweetness complements the tartness of the maraschino cherries perfectly. However, feel free to experiment with bittersweet or even white chocolate chips for fun variations.

How do I prevent my cherries from making the dough too wet?

Draining and thoroughly drying the maraschino cherries before chopping ensures excess liquid doesn’t seep into the dough, keeping your cookies from spreading too much or becoming overly soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, which actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully and results in a more tender cookie.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?

Yes, you can scoop the dough onto a tray and freeze the raw cookie portions. Once frozen, transfer them to a container for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are truly a standout treat that blend nostalgic cookie charm with a burst of unexpected cherry sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, they bring warmth, joy, and plenty of smiles with every bite. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and make a batch to share—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

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