Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the nostalgic sweetness of classic chocolate chip cookies with bursts of bright cherry flavor that make every bite feel a little more special. The cherries add color, moisture, and a subtle fruity tang that balances beautifully with rich chocolate chips. These cookies feel festive without being complicated, making them perfect for holidays, bake sales, or simply when you want something different from your usual cookie routine.

What makes these cookies stand out is how the cherries melt slightly into the dough while baking, creating soft pockets of flavor that pair naturally with melty chocolate. The result is a soft and chewy cookie with crisp edges and a playful look that always catches attention on a dessert tray.

Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and packed with flavor in every bite. The maraschino cherries add moisture that keeps the cookies tender for days while also giving them a bright pop of color that makes them look bakery worthy. The chocolate chips bring the familiar comfort everyone expects, while the cherries add a twist that feels fun but still comforting.

They are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and require no chilling time, which means you can go from craving to warm cookies in under an hour. They also freeze well, making them perfect for preparing ahead for gatherings or last minute dessert needs.

What Makes Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies So Soft and Chewy?

The softness comes from a combination of butter, brown sugar, and the extra moisture from chopped maraschino cherries. Brown sugar adds chewiness while butter gives richness and spread. Properly draining and patting the cherries dry ensures the dough stays balanced without becoming too wet. Baking just until the edges set while the centers still look slightly underdone keeps the texture perfectly soft after cooling.

Ingredients for the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

The ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are simple but each one plays an important role in creating the right texture and flavor balance. Using good quality chocolate chips and properly prepared cherries makes a noticeable difference in the final result.

• All purpose flour provides structure and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while staying tender.
• Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them soft instead of dense.
• Salt balances the sweetness and enhances both chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Unsalted butter adds richness and contributes to the soft chewy texture.
• Brown sugar brings moisture and chewiness while adding a subtle caramel note.
• Granulated sugar helps create lightly crisp edges.
• Egg binds everything together and contributes to structure.
• Vanilla extract deepens the overall flavor and complements the cherries.
• Maraschino cherries provide sweetness, color, and moisture that define the cookies.
• Chocolate chips add richness and classic cookie flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.

How To Make the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the dough without adding too much moisture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates the base texture and helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything blends smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed without overmixing the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake at 350°F until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. This helps them firm up while staying soft inside.

Serving and Storing Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe makes about 24 cookies and comfortably feeds 8 to 10 people depending on serving size. Serve them slightly warm for the best texture when the chocolate is still soft and the cherry flavor is most noticeable.

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to two months and thaw at room temperature. You can also freeze the dough and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

What to Serve With Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Vanilla Ice Cream

The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness of the cookies and makes a simple dessert feel special.

Hot Chocolate

Warm cocoa enhances the chocolate chips and makes the cherry flavor stand out more.

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh berries add brightness that complements the cherries inside the cookies.

Coffee

The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness and richness perfectly.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and turns cookies into a plated dessert.

Cherry Milkshake

Doubling down on cherry flavor creates a fun dessert pairing that feels indulgent.

Chocolate Sauce Drizzle

A drizzle of chocolate sauce over warm cookies creates a decadent finish.

Want More Cookie Ideas?

If you love these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will probably enjoy these favorites too:

Salted sweet and crunchy https://lunameals.com/peanut-butter-cornflake-cookies/ that bring texture and nostalgia.

Rich chocolate packed https://lunameals.com/brownie-mix-cookies/ for an ultra fudgy cookie experience.

Soft and fruity https://lunameals.com/blueberry-cheesecake-heaven-rolls/ when you want something creamy and dessert like.

Classic Southern sweetness from https://lunameals.com/southern-hummingbird-cake/ with warm comforting flavors.

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 extra chocolate chips or keep the cherry flavor front and center?

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

Explore beautifully curated health boosting drinks and desserts on Luna Meals Pinterest and discover your new go to for feeling great https://www.pinterest.com/lunamealshomemaderecipes/.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat that still feels familiar and comforting. The balance of sweet cherries and rich chocolate creates cookies that look festive and taste even better. Whether you bake them for a celebration or a quiet afternoon treat, they are guaranteed to disappear quickly and earn a permanent place in your baking rotation.

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