There’s something incredibly joyful about the unexpected twist of sweet and tart flavors mingling together, and that’s exactly what makes the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so irresistible. These cookies bring a delightful burst of juicy maraschino cherries paired with rich, melted chunks of chocolate, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery cookie that’s slightly kissed with flaky sea salt. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next gathering, these cookies promise a unique and memorable treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. From the creamy butter that makes the dough tender, to the bright maraschino cherries adding that perfect fruity pop, every element contributes to the cookie’s delightful balance of flavors and texture.
- Butter (¾ cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base for tender cookies and ensures a perfect chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a lightly crisp edge on the cookies.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup): Brings moisture and a slight caramel depth that complements both cherries and chocolate beautifully.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and contributes to a soft, cakey crumb.
- Vanilla extract (½ tbsp): Enhances the sweetness and adds aromatic warmth.
- Salt (¾ tsp): Balances the sugar and enhances all the other flavors.
- Baking soda (¾ tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups + 2 tbsp): Gives structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while staying soft.
- Maraschino cherries (¾ cup, pitted and chopped small): The star ingredient, delivering bursts of bright sweetness and beautiful color.
- Dark or semisweet chocolate (¾ cup, chopped): Offers melty pockets of intense chocolate flavor throughout the cookie.
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top): Adds a sophisticated contrast that makes the sweetness pop.
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick—this simple step will save you a lot of cleanup later.
Step 2: Prepare the Maraschino Cherries
Remove the stems from the maraschino cherries, then pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. Chop the cherries into small pieces and carefully pat them dry again. This step is crucial to prevent soggy cookies and to keep your dough just right.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes and sets the stage for a perfect texture.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix here, as you want to keep the dough tender and soft.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients, Cherries, and Chocolate
Combine your salt, baking soda, and flour, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Stir in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chunks gently to distribute them evenly without smashing the cherries.
Step 6: Scoop and Arrange the Dough
Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to form 1.5 to 2 tablespoon-sized dough balls. Place them 3 to 4 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to give them room to spread. If you want, press a few extra chocolate bits on top for an irresistible look.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies to Perfection
Bake one tray at a time for 8 to 11 minutes, removing the cookies when the edges look set but the centers are still slightly soft and underbaked. Trust this stage—it ensures a soft, chewy center when completely cooled.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
Right after removing from the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously on top of the warm cookies. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This finishing salt adds a brilliant contrast that highlights every bite.
How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special treat, consider garnishing your cookies with a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A fresh maraschino cherry or a few chocolate shavings on top add a charming touch that’s perfect for parties or gifts.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a sweet dessert wine for adults. Their fruity undertone makes them surprisingly versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite beverage!
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or festive occasions, stack the cookies in a mason jar with layers of colored parchment paper. You can also sandwich two cookies together with vanilla or cherry-flavored buttercream to create cookies with a delightful filling—this is a fun twist to impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, allowing you to savor the cherry-chocolate magic whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll retain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or stored cookies at their best, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. The warmth will revive the chocolate melty goodness and enhance those luscious cherry notes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While frozen cherries are delicious on their own, they lack the sweetness and color that maraschino cherries bring to this recipe. Using frozen cherries will change the flavor profile, so stick with maraschino for that classic Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe taste.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Make sure the chocolate you use is dairy-free as well. The end result will still be wonderfully rich and flavorful.
Why do the cherries need to be patted dry?
Maraschino cherries are packed in syrup, and excess moisture can make the cookie dough too wet, leading to flat or soggy cookies. Patting them dry ensures the right dough consistency and prevents spreading during baking.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark or semisweet chocolate?
You can! Milk chocolate will add a sweeter and creamier flavor to the cookies, which some people love. Just be mindful that sweetness levels will change slightly, so you might want to reduce the granulated sugar a bit if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for cookies with set, firm edges but centers that still appear a little underbaked and soft. They firm up as they cool, delivering that perfect chewy texture distinctive to the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that stands out from your usual chocolate chip routine, the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a must-try. Each bite bursts with juicy cherries and melty chocolate that feels both nostalgic and new. I promise once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorites to share—and savor—time and time again.
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic richness of chocolate chip cookies with the sweet, fruity pop of maraschino cherries and a subtle finish of flaky sea salt. Soft and chewy with a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, these cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to bake and delicious to enjoy any time.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter, softened (dairy free or regular)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Add-ins and Toppings
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, pitted and chopped small
- ¾ cup chopped dark or semisweet chocolate
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Prepare Cherries: Remove the stems from the maraschino cherries, pat them dry to remove excess liquid, chop into small pieces, and then pat dry again thoroughly to avoid adding unwanted moisture to the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, combine the softened butter with the granulated and light brown sugars. Mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid over-mixing at this stage to keep the cookies tender.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour until a cohesive dough forms. Then fold in the chopped chocolate and maraschino cherries evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Arrange Cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Space them 3-4 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Optionally, press a few extra chocolate pieces on top of each cookie for an attractive finish.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies one baking sheet at a time for 8-11 minutes. Remove them from the oven once the edges appear set but the centers remain slightly under-baked; this ensures a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool and Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the warm cookies immediately after removing from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Patting the maraschino cherries dry is essential to prevent excess moisture which can alter the cookie texture.
- Baking one sheet at a time ensures more even heat distribution and consistency.
- The cookies may look under-baked in the center when taken out of the oven but will firm up as they cool, resulting in chewy cookies.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter alternatives and ensure chocolate is dairy-free.
- Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
