Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

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If you love the idea of combining rich, melty chocolate with bursts of sweet, vibrant cherries, then Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your new obsession. These cookies are a celebration of contrast—deep chocolate chips paired with bright red maraschino cherries that not only pop in color but also bring a chewy, juicy bite in every mouthful. Baked to golden perfection with crisp edges and soft centers, they’re everything you crave in a cookie—only better.

Perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or just when your sweet tooth needs something a little more playful, these cookies are far from ordinary. The unique addition of maraschino cherries adds both flavor and charm, giving the classic chocolate chip cookie a cherry-kissed makeover. Serve them up with a glass of cold milk or wrap them in a gift box for a festive homemade treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Bursting with juicy cherry and rich chocolate in every bite
• Eye-catching and vibrant – perfect for parties or gifts
• Soft and chewy texture that stays fresh for days
• An easy twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create these indulgent cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure the best results:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To cream butter and sugar thoroughly for a light, fluffy base.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for folding in the cherries and chocolate chips gently.
• Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To portion out uniform cookies so they bake evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy on the bottom.

Each of these tools plays a role in texture and consistency—from proper mixing to precise baking.

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Preparation Tips

Drain the maraschino cherries well and pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid extra moisture that could make the cookies spread too much. Roughly chop the cherries to distribute them evenly in the dough. When creaming the butter and sugars, make sure the butter is softened but not melted—this helps achieve the right texture. Mix in the dry ingredients just until combined to avoid tough cookies, and always fold in the cherries and chocolate chips gently to prevent overmixing. If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

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Ingredients for this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped

Optional:

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (enhances the cherry flavor beautifully)

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Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even browning.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise properly.

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Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that soft and chewy texture.

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Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using). Mix just until incorporated. Overbeating at this stage can affect the final texture of the cookies.

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Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

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Step 6: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips using a spatula. Make sure the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the dough without overworking it.

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Step 7: Portion the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

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Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. For a gooey texture, remove them from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked in the middle—they’ll continue to cook as they cool.

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Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Add a few extra chocolate chips on top while still warm for a bakery-style finish.

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Notes

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also maintain their chewy texture and sweet cherry-chocolate flavor even after a couple of days. For an extra pop of cherry flavor, consider using a dash of almond extract, which complements the maraschino cherries beautifully. You can also switch up the chocolate chips with dark, milk, or even white chocolate depending on your personal preference. If your dough feels too wet due to cherry moisture, add an extra tablespoon of flour to help firm it up.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not drying the cherries enough: Excess moisture from the cherries can make your cookies spread too much and become soggy.
• Overmixing the dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until incorporated to keep the cookies soft.
• Skipping the chill (if your kitchen is warm): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can prevent flat cookies.
• Using hot baking sheets: If you’re baking in batches, let baking sheets cool completely before placing new dough on them.
• Baking too long: Cookies continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven. Take them out when they’re just golden on the edges.

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Storage Instructions

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread or tortilla to the container—it helps maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Cookie dough can also be scooped into balls and frozen raw; just bake directly from frozen and add an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: ~190
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Sugar: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Fresh cherries contain more moisture and can affect the texture of the cookie. Maraschino cherries are sweeter and more consistent, but if you want to use fresh cherries, make sure to pit, chop, and dry them thoroughly.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough?

It’s optional but helpful. Chilling prevents spreading and gives you thicker, bakery-style cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

What type of chocolate chips works best?

Semisweet is classic, but dark chocolate adds richness, while white chocolate pairs beautifully with the cherries for a sweeter contrast.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.

How do I make the cookies thicker?

Chilling the dough, reducing cherry moisture, and slightly increasing the flour can all help produce a thicker cookie.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 48 hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge or freeze it in scoops.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe yields approximately 24 medium-sized cookies, depending on how large you scoop them.

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Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies bring a festive, flavorful twist to the beloved classic. They’re indulgent yet playful, making them ideal for everything from family gatherings to holiday cookie trays. With chewy centers, crisp edges, and those irresistible cherry-chocolate bursts, this cookie is more than just a treat—it’s a conversation starter. Whether you’re baking a batch for someone special or simply spoiling yourself, these cookies are bound to become a repeat favorite.

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