Was there ever a treat so whimsically delicious? The moment I took a bite of these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, I was transported to sunlit afternoons filled with laughter and joy. These cookies beautifully balance the rich sweetness of chocolate with the tart, fruity pop of maraschino cherries, making them a classic dessert that brightens any occasion. An absolute breeze to make, you can whip them up in just 40 minutes—perfect for those impromptu gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. You don’t have to be a baking pro to succeed with this recipe; it’s accessible and forgiving, especially with its nut-free option. Curious to find out how easy it is to create these delightful cookies? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can shine in the kitchen.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of chocolate and maraschino cherries creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies suit every event.
Versatile Options: Want a gluten-free treat? No problem! Swap in a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With their vibrant colors and unique flavor, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends—just like my Pumpkin Oat Cookies!
Maraschino Cherry Cookie Ingredients
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For the Cookie Base
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and a perfect chewy texture; substitution: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
• Cornstarch – Helps create an even softer cookie.
• Baking soda – Ensures your cookies rise beautifully, providing lift.
• Salt – A touch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. Note: Coconut oil or vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free version. -
For Sweetness and Flavor
• Light brown sugar – Introduces a lovely caramel note to each bite.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness that complements the brown sugar.
• Large eggs – Acts as a binder for a chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Almond extract – Enhances flavor with a subtle nutty hint; omit for nut-free cookies. -
For Color and Texture
• Pink gel food coloring – Optional for a cheerful pop of color.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The main flavor component that pairs beautifully with cherries.
• Maraschino cherries – Drained and finely chopped; provide juicy bursts of sweetness in every cookie.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial step ensures that your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden hue. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to streamline cleanup later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This blend not only provides structure but also contributes to the wonderfully chewy texture of your cookies. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients so that everything can come together nicely.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1¼ cups of light brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and light in color—this creaminess is key to achieving that irresistible cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon of almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds until well combined. The combination of these ingredients not only binds your cookie but also enriches the overall flavor profile of your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 5: Incorporate Food Coloring
If you’d like to add a fun, festive touch to your cookies, blend in a small amount of pink gel food coloring at this stage. Mix until the dough is uniformly tinted, which will create delightful visual appeal in your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, making them even more inviting to eat.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your large bowl. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; be careful not to overmix. You want to see the dry ingredients absorbed without any pockets of flour remaining. This step is vital for achieving the soft and chewy texture that these cookies are known for.
Step 7: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Once the dough is ready, lovingly fold in 1 cup of finely chopped maraschino cherries and 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The cherries will provide delightful bursts of flavor in every bite while the chocolate chips add that creamy richness. This colorful medley makes the cookies both delicious and visually appealing.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and create balls, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to press a few extra chocolate chips and pieces of cherry on top of each dough ball for that irresistible look. Leaving enough space between each scoop is essential to allow your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies to spread as they bake.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-13 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for just-set edges while the middle remains soft to the touch. Avoid overbaking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring your cookies have that delightful chewy texture.
Step 10: Cool and Transfer
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows them to firm up slightly. Once cooled, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step will help preserve the soft, chewy interior that makes your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies truly irresistible.
Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This enhances flavor and prevents cookies from spreading too much.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft texture.
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Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be just set, with a soft center for that classic chewy bite.
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Extra Ingredients: Feel free to add more chocolate chips or cherries on top of the cookie scoops for an extra indulgent look and flavor.
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Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag, but remember to add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing quality! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes cookie baking a breeze when you’re short on time. If you need to prep even further ahead, you can shape the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the frozen dough directly onto a baking sheet, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for perfectly fresh cookies. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies anytime!
What to Serve with Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serve these delightful treats with an array of accompaniments to elevate your dessert experience, blending flavors and textures beautifully.
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Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy softness of vanilla ice cream complements the chewy cookies, creating a delightful contrast in texture.
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Fresh Berry Medley: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing tartness that enhances the sweet cherry and chocolate flavors.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A warm drizzle of caramel sauce over your cookies adds a luscious richness that makes each bite unforgettable.
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Chilled Milk: The classic pairing of cookies and milk always satisfies. Choose almond or oat milk for an interesting twist that harmonizes with the maraschino cherries.
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Chocolate Sauce: For the true chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce transforms your cookies into an indulgent dessert sensation.
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Nutty Coffee: A strong, nutty-flavored coffee pairs remarkably with the sweetness of the cookies, balancing flavors and adding warmth to your dessert moment.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad featuring citrus and melons brings brightness and freshness, making it a light-hearted option next to richly flavored cookies.
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Sparkling Water: Refresh your palate with a splash of sparkling water, especially with a slice of lemon or lime. It adds fizzy fun next to these sweet delights.
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Chewy Dried Fruits: Serve alongside sweetened dried fruits like apricots or cranberries to bring a different chewy texture that contrasts yet complements the cookies.
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Charcuterie Board: For a playful twist, include these cookies on a dessert charcuterie board with cheeses and fruits for a unique tasting experience.
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: For extended freshness, you can refrigerate your Maraschino Cherry Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week; just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: To freeze, shape the cookie dough into balls and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to revive their deliciously soft texture.
Maraschino Cherry Cookies: Customization Options
Feel free to let your creativity shine and put your own spin on these delightful cookies!
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a safe treat for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter option, and use flax eggs for a delightful plant-based alternative.
- Flavor Enhancement: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to brighten the flavor profile; it truly complements the chocolate and cherries!
- Minty Version: Just a few drops of peppermint extract can give your cookies a festive and refreshing twist, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Dried Fruits: For a unique twist, swap out maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or apricots, evoking flavors of the season.
- Chocolate Lovers: For an indulgent treat, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chips for a richer chocolate experience.
- Nutty Delight: If you’re not concerned about the nut-free requirement, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture boost.
- Frosting Fun: Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
These variations can enhance flavor or cater to different dietary needs, ensuring that there’s a delicious option for everyone. Interested in trying more cookie recipes? Check out my Chocolate Chip Cookies or for something festive, try my Peppermint Kiss Cookies. Happy baking!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my maraschino cherries are ripe enough?
Absolutely! When selecting maraschino cherries for your cookies, look for cherries that are bright in color and glossy. Avoid those with dark spots or an overly soft texture, as these may indicate they’re past their prime. For baking, well-drained cherries are key, as excess liquid can alter the dough’s consistency.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
I recommend storing your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful soft texture. If you want them to last longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week—just allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later baking?
Very much! To freeze your cookie dough, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer the balls to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can pull out as many as you need and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time to ensure they’re perfectly baked.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Oh no! If your dough is sticky, that could be due to the butter being too soft or not enough flour. Start by adding more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable. You want it to be soft but not overly sticky; this ensures your cookies come out perfectly chewy!
Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be made nut-free by simply omitting the almond extract. Always double-check that your ingredients, particularly chocolate chips, are labeled nut-free as well, just to be safe. Always best to be cautious, especially when sharing with friends and family!
Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies: A Chewy Delight to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture; beat on low speed until combined.
- If desired, mix in pink gel food coloring until evenly distributed.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture using a spatula until just mixed.
- Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing extra chocolate chips and cherries on top if desired.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes until edges are just set and centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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