Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories dance through my maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, weaving nostalgia with delightful flavor combinations.

Childhood afternoons spent in grandma’s kitchen inspired these delectable treats.

Bright red cherries peek playfully between rich chocolate morsels, creating visual magic.

Soft and chewy textures promise pure comfort in every bite.

Baker’s secret ingredients elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary expectations.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers bursting with fruity and chocolatey goodness.

FAQs About Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Are maraschino cherries sweet?

Yes, maraschino cherries are artificially sweetened and have a distinctly sweet, bright flavor that adds a unique touch to these chocolate chip cookies.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead?

No, fresh cherries have too much moisture and won’t work well in this recipe. Stick to drained maraschino cherries for the best texture and flavor.

  • How do I prevent the cherries from bleeding color into the dough?

Pat the chopped maraschino cherries dry with paper towels before adding them to the cookie dough to minimize color bleeding and excess moisture.

  • What gives these cookies their special texture?

The combination of brown and white sugar creates a soft, chewy cookie, while the chocolate chips and maraschino cherries add bursts of flavor and moisture.

Why Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Are A Sweet Delight

  • Burst with Flavor: Maraschino cherries and chocolate chips create an irresistible sweet and tangy combination that dances on your taste buds.
  • Quick and Simple Baking: Mix, fold, and drop the dough for a hassle-free cookie-making experience that even beginner bakers can master with confidence.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: These colorful cookies are ideal for potlucks, birthday celebrations, and casual gatherings, guaranteed to impress friends and family with their unique twist on classic chocolate chip cookies.
  • Versatile Treat: Enjoy as a delightful dessert, afternoon snack, or homemade gift that brings joy and excitement to any moment.

Ingredients For Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Main Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie.
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that adds flavor and helps create a tender texture.
  • Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Sweet ingredients that contribute to the cookie's moisture and caramelized flavor.
  • Eggs: A binding agent that helps hold the cookie dough together.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Maraschino Cherries: Bright red cherries that add a sweet and tangy burst of flavor to the cookies.
  • Chocolate Chips: Classic sweet morsels that provide rich chocolate pockets throughout the cookie.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Essential ingredients that help the cookies rise and balance the overall sweetness.

How To Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie release.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, whip together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Crack in the eggs and blend until everything looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix – you want a tender cookie!

Step 4: Add Colorful Mix-Ins

Tenderly fold in your delightful add-ins:
  • Chopped maraschino cherries
  • Chocolate chips

Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that turn a beautiful golden brown – a sign of cookie magic happening!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. These sweet treats are ready to be devoured and shared with friends and family.

Pro Tips For Baking Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Cherry Distribution: Chop maraschino cherries into small, uniform pieces to ensure even flavor throughout each cookie.
  • Moisture Management: Pat maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making cookie dough too wet.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a thicker cookie shape.
  • Texture Balance: Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips to create depth of flavor and complement the sweet cherry notes.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, keeping the same measurement proportions.

Flavorful Variations Of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Cherry Chocolate Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Substitute white and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Almond Flour Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nutty flavor and added protein, perfect for low-carb diets.

Best Pairings To Enjoy With Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Boost Cherry Sweetness: Pair these cookies with a crisp moscato wine, which enhances the fruity maraschino flavor and complements the chocolate's richness.
  • Creamy Contrast: Serve alongside a cold glass of vanilla bean milk, creating a smooth counterpoint to the cookie's sweet and tangy profile.
  • Temperature Play: Enjoy with a scoop of cherry-vanilla gelato, amplifying the cookie's cherry notes while providing a cool, silky texture against the warm, soft cookie.
  • Coffee Companion: Match with a light roast coffee or cappuccino, whose subtle brightness cuts through the cookie's sweetness and highlights the chocolate chips.

How To Store Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Scoop cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Raw dough stays fresh for 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.
  • Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container between layers of wax paper. Cookies will stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
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Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet chocolate chip cookies get a playful twist with maraschino cherries, creating a delightful dessert that blends classic comfort with unexpected charm. Cookie lovers will adore these ruby-studded treats that offer a perfect balance of rich chocolate and bright cherry flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 eggs

Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
  2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly cream butter with brown and white sugars until smooth and fluffy, then incorporate eggs until fully integrated.
  3. Separately combine flour, baking soda, and salt, whisking to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter blend, stirring gently until a consistent dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Delicately fold chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing ingredients evenly throughout.
  6. Using a spoon, carefully drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies to allow for slight spreading.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
  8. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Notes

  • Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy and affecting texture.
  • Chop cherries into smaller pieces for more even distribution throughout the cookie dough, ensuring every bite has a burst of fruity flavor.
  • Pat cherries dry with paper towels after chopping to remove additional liquid and prevent color bleeding into the cookie dough.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s soft and chewy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 195 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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