If you are searching for a cookie that marries the sweet, nostalgic flavor of maraschino cherries with the classic indulgence of chocolate chips, look no further. This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe transforms everyday ingredients into irresistible bites of chewy, colorful goodness. Each cookie bursts with the rich creaminess of butter, studded with juicy cherries and pockets of melted chocolate that dance on your taste buds. Whether for a festive occasion or a simple treat, these cookies bring warmth, charm, and a bit of whimsy to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that come together harmoniously to create a perfect cookie texture and delightful flavor. The all-purpose flour forms the cookie’s base, while cornstarch adds tenderness. Chocolate chips bring gooey richness, and maraschino cherries lend bursts of sweetness and a playful pop of color that make these cookies truly special.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups / 360g): The sturdy foundation for our cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
- Cornstarch (2 tsp): This little addition ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps our cookies rise and gives them the perfect lightness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups / 12 oz, plus extra): The star ingredient for pockets of rich, melty chocolate.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g, room temperature): Adds richness and a soft crumb when creamed properly.
- Light brown sugar (1¼ cups / 267g): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses hint that complements the cherries.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup / 50g): Adds a slight crispness to the cookie edges.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind everything together and contribute to softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
- Almond extract (1/8 tsp): Enhances the cherry flavors beautifully with its nutty aroma.
- Pink gel food coloring (¼ tsp): Gives our cookies a cheerful blush, perfect for special occasions.
- Maraschino cherries (1 cup, drained and finely chopped, plus extra): The key ingredient for bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Ingredients
Start by measuring and prepping all your ingredients. Drain and finely chop the maraschino cherries to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the dough is mixed.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Combining these first helps create an even texture in your cookies, and ensures the leavening agents get distributed evenly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is central for achieving that tender, soft cookie texture everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and pink gel food coloring. The almond extract beautifully complements the maraschino cherries, and the pink coloring gives the dough a festive look that’s sure to delight.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined for tender bites.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips to disperse them evenly throughout the dough. This ensures every cookie is a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and chocolatey richness.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. You can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips and chopped cherries on top for an eye-catching finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This resting time lets the cookies set up perfectly without losing their soft, chewy texture.
How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add a few whole maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips on top of the cookies right after baking. This adds an inviting pop of color and a bonus burst of flavor that makes each cookie irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. The creamy drinks balance the sweetness perfectly, creating a satisfying combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gifts, stack these cookies in a pretty jar or wrap them in parchment paper tied with a ribbon. You can also sandwich them with vanilla or cherry-flavored buttercream for a fancy twist that friends will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This maintains their softness and keeps the cherries and chocolate nice and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time for fresh cookies anytime you crave them.
Reheating
To revive leftover cookies, warm them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes that glorious melty chocolate and soft cherry bursts just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries in this recipe?
Fresh cherries can be used but will impart a different flavor and texture since maraschino cherries are sweeter and softer. Fresh cherries might add more moisture, so you may need to adjust baking time accordingly.
Why is there cornstarch in the cookie dough?
Cornstarch helps create a tender, soft crumb in the cookies by preventing gluten from developing too much during mixing. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in texture.
How can I make these cookies without almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or replace it with a little extra vanilla extract. The cookies will still taste wonderful, though the almond extract does uniquely enhance the cherry flavor.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate chips will make the cookies sweeter and creamier. Tailor the chocolate type to your taste preference for a personalized touch.
Is it necessary to add food coloring to the dough?
The pink gel food coloring is optional but adds a fun and festive look, especially if you’re baking for holidays or special occasions. If you prefer natural colors, you can skip it without impacting taste.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, it just might become your go-to cookie for sharing and celebrations alike. The combination of juicy cherries and rich chocolate is a match made in cookie heaven, creating treats that feel both classic and delightfully unique. I can’t wait for you to bake, share, and savor these joyful cookies!
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, where the classic chewy chocolate chip cookie gets a festive twist with chopped maraschino cherries. Soft, buttery, and packed with bursts of sweet cherry flavor and melty chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for holiday treats or any time you want a colorful, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Chocolate & Cherries
- 2 cups (12 oz bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for garnish)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1¼ cups (267g) light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp pink gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and pink gel food coloring until the dough has a consistent pastel pink color.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving some to sprinkle on top before baking if desired.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop cookie dough using a cookie scoop or spoon onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly press extra chocolate chips and cherry pieces on top of each cookie for garnish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure to drain and finely chop the maraschino cherries well to avoid too much liquid in the dough, which can affect texture.
- Using room temperature butter helps the sugars to cream better, creating a lighter texture in the cookies.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a splash of cherry liqueur or cherry extract along with the vanilla and almond extracts.
- You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking to bake fresh cookies later; just add a couple more minutes to baking time if baking from frozen.
