Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies – Easy Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor and gooey chocolate chips. With their fun pink hue and bakery-style texture, these cookies are as pretty as they are delicious—perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you want a quick and crowd-pleasing treat.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter (softened)
granulated sugar
brown sugar
egg
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
maraschino cherry juice
semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
pink or red food coloring (optional)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Stir in chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, and chocolate chips.

Add a drop of food coloring if desired for a brighter pink dough.

Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.

Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite.
Swap maraschino cherries for dried cherries for a chewier texture.
Drizzle with melted chocolate after baking for an extra treat.
Add almond extract for a cherry almond flavor boost.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Microwave for 5–10 seconds to enjoy warm and gooey.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Maraschino cherries are preferred for their sweetness and color, but drained and chopped fresh cherries can work.

Do I need to pat the cherries dry?
Yes, remove excess moisture to prevent soggy dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chill dough for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Will the cookies spread?
Yes, they spread slightly—chill the dough if you want a puffier cookie.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the charm of cherries with rich chocolate chips in every soft, colorful bite. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these cookies are a must-try for cherry lovers and cookie fans alike.

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