Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Easy, Chewy & Irresistible

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There is something magical about the combination of almond, sweet vanilla, and bright red fruit in these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies . Inspired by classic soda shop flavors, this recipe transforms the humble chocolate chip cookie into a festive masterpiece. Whether you are baking for a holiday exchange or just craving a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these treats offer a perfect balance of gooey chocolate and bright cherry flavor that feels both nostalgic and gourmet. If you love fruit-infused desserts, you might also enjoy our Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls.

These soft-batch cherry chip cookies are incredibly easy to make but deliver bakery-quality results every time. They are the ultimate festive red-and-white holiday cookies, making them perfect for your Valentine’s or Christmas themed cookies trays. With a chewy center and crispy edges, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, we have included tips for dairy-free or vegan cherry chocolate cookies so everyone can enjoy these kid-friendly colorful treats. For more texture lovers, try our Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies.

Key Recipe Information

• Difficulty: Easy
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Resting time: 1 hour (chilling dough)
• Number of people: Serves 24 cookies
• Estimated cost: Affordable

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the perfect cherry-chocolate chunk cookies, precise measurements are key.

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) Unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (150g) Light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large Egg
• 1 large Egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Almond extract (essential for that bakery flavor)
• 1 cup (170g) Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup (120g) Maraschino cherries , drained well, patted dry, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons Reserved maraschino cherry juice

Equipment Required

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire cooling rack
• Paper towels (crucial for drying cherries)

Preparation: How to Make Soft-Batch Cherry Cookies

1. Prep the Cherries: Before starting the dough, drain the cherries and save the liquid. Chop the cherries into small pieces and place them on paper towels. Pat strictly to remove excess moisture; this prevents the dough from becoming too wet.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl using a mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This process is known as creaming.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and the 2 tablespoons of reserved cherry juice. Mix until combined.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until streaks of flour disappear. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the dried, chopped maraschino cherries using a spatula. If you enjoy chocolate treats, check out our Brownie Balls.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is mandatory for chewy bakery-style cherry cookies.
8. Preheat and Scoop: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
9. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly soft.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Chef’s Tips, Tricks, and Variations

To master these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, follow these expert tips.

The “Soggy Cookie” Fix The most common mistake is not drying the cherries enough. If you skip this, you will not get chewy bakery-style cherry cookies; you will get cake-like ones. Press them firmly between paper towels.

Recipe Variations

• No-Dye Cherry Cookies: If you prefer to avoid artificial colors, you can make no-dye cherry cookies (using natural cherry juice reduction). Simply simmer natural cherry juice until thick and use natural cherries, or swap for dried cranberries for a different texture.
• Freeze-Dried Alternative: For an intense flavor punch without the moisture, you can make freeze-dried cherry alternative cookies. Pulverize freeze-dried cherries into the flour for a pink hue and tart flavor.
• Dietary Adjustments: For dairy-free or vegan cherry chocolate cookies, substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter block and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water). Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Serving Suggestions These cookies pair beautifully with a warm drink. Try serving them alongside our Hot Cocoa Dip for a dipping extravaganza. If you are creating a full holiday spread, they look great next to Chocolate Pinecone Hack Dessert or our festive Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.

Storage Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 185 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 16g

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect addition to your baking repertoire. They combine the nostalgia of a cherry cordial with the comfort of a classic cookie. Whether you are looking for kid-friendly colorful treats or a standout dessert for a party, this recipe delivers on flavor and appearance.

If you are looking for healthier cookie options to balance out the sweets, try our 4 Ingredient Zucchini Cookies or the delicious Healthy Cookie Dough Bark.

We would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below if you’ve tried the recipe or if you have any questions. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us! For more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest.

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