Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Made Easy

Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-495694H31M25S
Total time: PT-495694H31M25S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/8 tsp almond extract (optional); Small amount of pink gel food coloring; 3 cups all-purpose flour (about 360g); 2 tsp cornstarch; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup maraschino cherries (well-drained and finely chopped); 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there’s something truly magical about a batch of fresh-baked cookies filling the house with a comforting aroma. But sometimes, you want something that stands out—something that’s not just delicious, but a bit of a showstopper. Enter: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. These soft, chewy cookies are bursting with vibrant color, sweet cherries, and rich chocolate chips, making them perfect for any occasion.

In this post, I’ll guide you step by step through the recipe, share some tips and tricks, and even suggest fun variations to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just because, this recipe is perfect for all skill levels.

If you’re looking for more cookie inspiration, check out my Best Jam Cookies Recipe. They’re a fun, fruity twist on classic cookies that are perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Table of Contents

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with vibrant cherries and chocolate chips

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try.

Vibrant color: The pop of pink from the maraschino cherries is a visual delight, making these cookies perfect for holidays and celebrations.
Soft and chewy: The texture is spot on, soft on the inside with just the right amount of chewiness.
Sweet and rich flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a flavor that’s both playful and indulgent.
Simple to make: Despite how impressive they look, these cookies are incredibly easy to put together, and even novice bakers will have no trouble creating a batch of these treats.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering cookies. Gather your ingredients and let’s get started:

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp almond extract (optional, but I highly recommend it for extra flavor)
Small amount of pink gel food coloring (for that pretty pop of color)
3 cups all-purpose flour (about 360g)
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup maraschino cherries (well-drained and finely chopped)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

These ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s both visually striking and absolutely irresistible.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect batch of cookies. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the tray.

If you’re looking for other cookie ideas, you may enjoy making Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies, which are perfect for gifting or a fun celebration.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat them together for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that soft, chewy texture.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, add in 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/8 tsp almond extract (if using). This is where the magic happens—mix everything until the ingredients are fully incorporated. You’ll notice the dough becoming a bit smoother at this point.

For the fun part, add a small amount of pink gel food coloring to get that beautiful pop of pink in your dough. You don’t need much—just a drop or two will do the trick. If you want a brighter color, feel free to add a little more.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. The cornstarch helps to make the cookies extra soft, so don’t skip this ingredient!

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. It’s best to do this in batches to avoid flour flying everywhere. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or the cookies could become tough.

Step 5: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Now it’s time to fold in the deliciousness! Gently fold in 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries and 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. The cherries will release a little juice, so be sure to drain them well before chopping to avoid excess moisture in your dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out dough into golf-ball-sized balls. Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want to make them look extra fancy (like the ones you see in bakeries), press a few extra cherries and chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with vibrant pink cherries and chocolate chips

If you’re in the mood for a different type of cookie, check out my Best Jam Cookies Recipe. These are another fun, fruity twist on your traditional cookie.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be set and slightly golden, but the centers might still look soft. This is perfectly normal. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Once your cookies have cooled, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for snacking, sharing with friends, or wrapping up as a thoughtful gift.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies

Measure your flour properly: It’s easy to accidentally pack too much flour into your measuring cup, which can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour accurately.
Drain the cherries thoroughly: If you don’t drain the maraschino cherries well, they can add too much moisture to the dough, making your cookies spread too much while baking.
Chill the dough (optional): If you have the time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking will help the cookies hold their shape better and result in a thicker, chewier texture.
Customize your cookies: If you’re feeling creative, try adding different mix-ins to these cookies! Chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top could all make great additions.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about baking is the opportunity to get creative. If you want to give this recipe a twist, here are some fun variations:

Use different colored food coloring: If you want to make these cookies for a specific holiday or celebration, try using green for Christmas, red for Valentine’s Day, or even blue for a baby shower.
Swap out the cherries: Don’t have maraschino cherries? You can use dried cherries or even fresh fruit for a different flavor profile.
Try dark chocolate chips: For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. The bitterness of the dark chocolate balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cherries.

How to Store Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you happen to have leftovers (which I highly doubt), you can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers of cookies to keep them from sticking together.

If you’re looking for something a bit different but still just as delicious, try making Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake for your next special occasion. It’s a great companion to any cookie spread!

FAQs: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries. However, fresh cherries release more moisture, so be sure to chop them finely and pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid making the dough too wet. If you want a bit of the tangy flavor that maraschino cherries provide, you can also consider using dried cherries, which have a similar texture without the extra liquid.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to develop even more. If you’re short on time, you can also freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. Bake the cookies straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

To help prevent excessive spreading, make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking. This is especially helpful if you find that your dough spreads too much in the oven. Another tip is to use a high-fat butter (unsalted butter works best) to give the cookies more structure. Lastly, be sure you’re measuring the flour properly. Too little flour can lead to cookies that spread too thin.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that is designed to mimic the texture of regular flour. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum to help the dough hold together. Additionally, check that the baking soda you use is also gluten-free, which most are, but it’s always worth confirming.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe adds a little extra sweetness to your day. Whether you’re baking with kids or surprising a loved one with a homemade treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients—this recipe is all about making it your own.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with vibrant pink and chocolate chips

Now, it’s your turn! I’d love to see how your cookies turn out. If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board for later. Happy baking!

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet, Colorful Treat for All Ages