Okay, cherry lovers this one’s for you. Imagine biting into a warm, buttery cookie packed with melty chocolate chips and chewy, ruby-red maraschino cherries. Yep, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are every bit as dreamy as they sound. They’re soft, a little gooey in the middle, and bursting with sweet cherry goodness in every bite.

It’s like a chocolate-covered cherry collided with your favorite cookie and honestly, who wouldn’t want that kind of delicious chaos in their life? These cookies are the perfect mix of fun and indulgence, and they’re just as easy to make as they are to devour. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Why You’ll Love Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great for cookie swaps, holiday trays, lunchbox treats, or a sweet weekend snack.
Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry staples and one small jar of cherries.
Quick and Easy: Simple dough, minimal chilling you’ll be baking in no time.
Customizable: Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or even add some chopped nuts.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are bursting with sweet, chewy, chocolatey goodness. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Butter

Softened and ready to cream butter gives the cookies their rich, tender texture and helps them spread just the right amount.

Brown Sugar

Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries and chocolate.

Granulated Sugar

For the perfect sweet balance and those irresistible chewy edges.

Eggs

Help bind the dough and add structure to the cookies.

Vanilla Extract

Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.

All-Purpose Flour

The foundation of every good cookie gives the dough structure while keeping it soft.

Baking Soda

Helps the cookies rise and spread just the right amount in the oven.

Salt

Balances out the sweetness and makes the chocolate and cherries pop.

Maraschino Cherries

The star of the show! Sweet, juicy, and chopped into little bursts of pink perfection.

Chocolate Chips

Use semi-sweet, milk, or dark whatever your heart (and cravings) desire.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and even baking.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Get your baking sheets ready lined and spaced for perfect cookies. No sticking, no mess.

Assemble the Dish

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.

Cook to Perfection

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft.

Finishing Touches

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly and keeps them soft in the middle.

Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy warm with a glass of milk, or let them cool and store for later if they last that long! These are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: About 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 170 calories
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
• Serve with a cold glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat
• Stack in gift boxes for holidays, birthdays, or thank-you gifts
• Add to ice cream sundaes for extra flavor and texture
• Pair with coffee or espresso for a grown-up twist
• Sandwich with buttercream or ice cream for a fun cookie sandwich

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
• Blot the cherries with paper towels before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour this keeps the cookies soft.
• If your dough is too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes before baking.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
• Add extra chocolate chips on top before baking for that bakery-style look.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Fresh cherries will have a different moisture level and flavor it’s best to stick with maraschino for this specific recipe.

2. Should I drain the cherries?
Yes! Drain them well and blot with paper towels to avoid watery dough.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes.

4. Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s not required, but if the dough feels too soft, a short chill will help prevent spreading.

5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes just swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture.

6. Can I use white chocolate instead?
Totally! White chocolate pairs beautifully with cherries and adds a sweet creaminess.

7. How should I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, and you’ll probably want to these cookies disappear fast!

9. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
You may need to chill the dough longer, or your butter may have been too soft.

10. Are these cookies soft or crispy?
They’re soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the kind of treat that just makes you happy pink, chocolatey, chewy happiness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to sweeten up your week, these cookies deliver big flavor with minimal effort. So go ahead, grab that jar of cherries and whip up a batch your kitchen’s about to smell amazing, and your taste buds are in for a real treat.

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