Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ready in 30 Minutes

Did You Know 92% of Home Bakers Have Never Tried Adding Maraschino Cherries to Their Chocolate Chip Cookies?

It’s true! While chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite, most people stick to the traditional recipe without realizing how a simple twist can elevate them to something truly extraordinary. That’s where these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come in—a delightful fusion of sweet, tart cherries and rich chocolate that will make you wonder why you haven’t tried this combo sooner.

Picture this: soft, chewy cookies studded with melty chocolate chips and bursts of vibrant maraschino cherries. The contrast of flavors is nothing short of magical, and the best part? This recipe is just as easy as your go-to chocolate chip cookie dough. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just pure, nostalgic deliciousness with a playful twist.

Maraschino cherries aren’t just for cocktails or ice cream sundaes. When folded into cookie dough, they bring a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Plus, their bright red hue peeking through the golden-brown cookies makes them as pretty as they are tasty—perfect for holiday baking, Valentine’s Day treats, or just because!

Whether you’re a cookie purist looking to branch out or someone who loves experimenting with fun flavors, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become a new favorite. So preheat that oven, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and let’s bake up something unforgettable.

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🍒 Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍪

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips nestled in a buttery cookie. These cookies are a nostalgic treat with a playful twist—perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea. Let’s gather our ingredients and get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – The foundation of any great cookie! Make sure it’s softened but not melted for the perfect texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – For that classic sweetness we all love.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar – The molasses in brown sugar adds depth and chewiness.
• 2 large eggs – Room temperature eggs blend better into the dough.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accuracy—no dense cookies here!
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Our leavening agent for that perfect rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – A little extra lift never hurt anyone.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Because chocolate makes everything better.
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries – Drained and patted dry! We want cherry flavor, not extra liquid.
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (optional) – For an extra pop of cherry goodness in the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t skimp on this step—it creates that dreamy cookie texture!
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. If you’re using the optional cherry juice, add it here for a subtle cherry infusion.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
5. Fold in the Goodies: Gently stir in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries. The dough will be thick and studded with delicious bits—try not to eat it all before baking!

At this point, your kitchen should smell heavenly, and the dough is ready to be scooped and baked. But before we move on to the next steps, here’s a little tip: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading, giving you thicker, chewier cookies. But if you’re as impatient as I am sometimes, you can bake them right away—they’ll still be irresistible!

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite! With their chewy texture, bursts of sweet cherries, and melty chocolate chips, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring a little extra joy to every bite.

Ready to bake up some happiness? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to check out our other dessert recipes for more sweet inspiration.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries are delicious, they contain more moisture than maraschino cherries, which can affect the texture of your cookies. If you’d like to try fresh cherries, pat them dry thoroughly and chop them finely. You might also need to adjust the baking time slightly.

How should I store these cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months—just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! If you prefer a simpler cherry cookie, feel free to leave out the chocolate chips. The maraschino cherries still provide plenty of sweetness and flavor on their own.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread more than expected, it might be due to overly softened butter or a warm baking sheet. Make sure your butter is just softened (not melted) and try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, always bake on a cool sheet!

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work well in this recipe. Just be sure to check that your maraschino cherries and other ingredients are gluten-free if needed.