If there’s a cookie that screams fun and indulgence, it’s these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. These little delights are not only visually stunning with their soft pink hue but also deliver an irresistible mix of sweet cherries and rich chocolate. The slightly crispy edges, soft centers, and bursts of cherry and chocolate make these cookies a favorite for every occasion—from Valentine’s Day treats to bake sales and beyond.
I first baked these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies for my daughter’s birthday party, and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. Watching everyone bite into the chewy goodness and light up with joy is a memory I’ll cherish forever. Now, whenever I need a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, these cookies are my go-to!
What are Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a whimsical twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The addition of chopped maraschino cherries brings a fruity sweetness, while pink gel food coloring adds a festive, cheerful look. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor—perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Why Our Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Are the Best
These cookies are a delightful mix of unique flavors and textures.
- A stunning pink hue makes them perfect for parties or special occasions.
- The combination of cherries and chocolate is both nostalgic and indulgent.
- Soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients Notes for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Every ingredient in these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies adds to their charm:
- Salted butter (1 cup, softened) – Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup) – Contributes a subtle caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup) – For sweetness and balance.
- Large egg (1) – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavor profile.
- Almond extract (¼ teaspoon) – Complements the cherries beautifully.
- Pink gel food coloring (2-3 drops) – Optional, but adds a lovely color.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups) – Forms the structure of the cookies.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon) – Ensures the cookies bake up soft and tender.
- Maraschino cherries (¾ cup, drained and chopped) – Adds fruity sweetness and moisture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ½ cups) – For rich, melty goodness in every bite.
Substitution Ideas
- Use unsalted butter and add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients.
- Substitute almond extract with cherry extract for a deeper cherry flavor.
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for variety.
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get ready to bake cookies that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and make your taste buds dance!
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth, then add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined. For a pop of color, add pink gel food coloring and mix well.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Fold in Cherries and Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
6. Scoop and Bake
Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Cool completely before serving.
How to Store Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations
- Chocolate Cherry Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch.
- Nutty Cherry Delight: Fold in chopped almonds or pecans for added crunch.
- Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: Add white chocolate chips and a teaspoon of cream cheese for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- A cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness.
- Hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
For a creative idea, crumble these cookies over a bowl of cherry-flavored ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup!
Top Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Dry the cherries. Pat the chopped maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture.
- Use softened butter. This ensures the dough mixes evenly and creates a smooth texture.
- Chill the dough. For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Measure flour correctly. Scoop and level your flour to avoid dense cookies.
Helpful Notes
- If your cookies spread too much, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Martha Stewart: “Chilling cookie dough not only enhances flavor but also improves texture.”
- Duff Goldman: “For perfectly chewy cookies, bake just until the edges are golden, even if the centers look slightly underdone.”
- Christina Tosi: “Experiment with extracts like cherry or vanilla bean to make the flavor pop.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cherries.
2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Fresh cherries can be used but may require extra drying to prevent excess moisture.
3. How do I make the cookies more vibrant?
Add an extra drop of pink gel food coloring for a bolder color.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches.
5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, portion the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
More Delicious Cookie Recipes
Check out these related recipes for more sweet inspiration:
- No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Cookies
- Cream Cheese Jam Pinwheel Cookies
- Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- – 1/2 cup brown sugar
- – 1 large egg
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1/2 tsp baking soda
- – 1/4 tsp salt
- – 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- – 3/4 cup maraschino cherries drained and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the 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.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Pat the maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- For a festive look, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of each cookie before baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.