Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar; 0.5 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.75 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and patted dry; 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

If your ideal cookie is chewy, packed with chocolate, and dotted with sweet cherry surprises, this one is calling your name. Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies blend the nostalgia of chocolate chip cookies with a cherry twist that makes them taste like a Valentine’s Day dream all year round.

With chunks of chocolate melting into pockets of cherry-kissed dough, these cookies are just the right amount of gooey and crisp. They look pretty, taste indulgent, and disappear quickly from cookie jars and dessert platters.

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

These cookies have the charm of classic chocolate chips but with a punch of color and flavor from chopped maraschino cherries. The cherries add moisture and a pop of tart sweetness that complements the rich chocolate beautifully. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for holidays, bake sales, or whenever you want something a bit different.

Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino?

While fresh cherries might seem like a healthier or more natural alternative, they don’t hold up the same in cookie dough. Maraschino cherries are preserved and sweetened, which gives them their unique texture and bold flavor. Fresh cherries could release too much juice and throw off the consistency of the dough. If you want that same chewy bite and signature taste, stick with maraschino.

Ingredients for the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Every ingredient plays its part in balancing richness, sweetness, and chewiness in these cookies. The cherries and chocolate are the stars, but the supporting cast is just as important.

Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Maraschino cherries
Semi-sweet chocolate chips

How To Make the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and light. This step builds the base for the cookie’s soft texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The egg helps with structure and moisture while the vanilla adds flavor depth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Try not to overmix to keep the dough soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll continue to set up as they cool.

Serving and Storing These Cookies

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies serve around 24 cookies depending on your scoop size, making them a great batch for parties or family treats. Serve them slightly warm for gooey chocolate, or cooled for a more set bite.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the dough or the baked cookies for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

What to Serve With Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?

A Glass of Cold Milk

The classic companion that never fails with a warm cookie.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla pairs perfectly with the fruity and chocolaty notes.

Whipped Cream-Topped Hot Chocolate

Make it a double dessert by dunking cookies into a rich mug of hot cocoa.

Cherry Cheesecake Dip

If you’re going all out, serve these cookies with a bowl of cherry cheesecake dip for ultra decadence.

Espresso or Coffee

The slight bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookie.

Chocolate Fondue

Use these cookies as dippers for a fondue night at home.

Fresh Berries

Balance the richness with a plate of fresh strawberries or raspberries.

If you love these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you might enjoy some of my other playful cookie recipes:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nuts or try white chocolate chips? Did you chill the dough before baking?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies bring something sweet and unexpected to your usual cookie lineup. They’re pretty in pink, full of flavor, and perfect for gifting, snacking, or celebrating just about anything. Once you make a batch, don’t be surprised if they become your most-requested treat.