Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ready in 30 Minutes

Did You Know 92% of Home Bakers Overlook This Secret Ingredient in Their Chocolate Chip Cookies?

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie—especially when it has a hidden surprise. Most bakers reach for the usual suspects: butter, sugar, eggs, and chocolate chips. But what if I told you that adding maraschino cherries could transform your classic cookie into something extraordinary? That’s right, these vibrant little gems bring a burst of fruity sweetness and a pop of color that elevates every bite. Today, I’m sharing my beloved Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, a nostalgic yet unexpected twist on a timeless favorite.

I first discovered the joy of maraschino cherries in cookies during a rainy afternoon at my grandmother’s house. She always had a jar of those ruby-red cherries tucked away in her pantry, reserved for special treats. One day, she decided to chop a handful and fold them into her famous chocolate chip cookie dough. The result? Pure bliss. The cherries added a subtle tanginess that balanced the rich chocolate, creating a cookie that was impossible to resist. Now, years later, I still make them whenever I need a little comfort—or want to impress guests with something delightfully unexpected.

Why Maraschino Cherries Belong in Your Cookies

At first glance, maraschino cherries might seem like an odd addition to chocolate chip cookies. But trust me, they work. Their syrupy sweetness and slight tartness cut through the richness of the dough, while their chewy texture adds a delightful contrast to the melty chocolate. Plus, that vibrant red hue peeking through the golden-brown cookies? Absolutely irresistible. If you’ve ever enjoyed a cherry cordial or chocolate-covered cherries, you already know how well these flavors pair. This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is like those candies—but in cookie form, with an extra dose of nostalgia.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the cherries themselves. Opt for high-quality maraschino cherries—the ones stored in syrup, not the artificially bright neon varieties. Give them a quick pat dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture in your dough. And if you’re feeling adventurous, reserve a tablespoon of the cherry syrup to brush over the baked cookies for an extra glossy finish. Now, let’s get baking!

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Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips nestled in a soft, buttery cookie. These cookies are like little bites of nostalgia—reminiscent of childhood ice cream sundaes but with a grown-up twist. Perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or just because you deserve a treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – The foundation of any great cookie. Let it sit at room temperature until it’s soft but not melted for the perfect texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – For that classic sweetness we all crave.
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed – Adds a hint of caramel depth and keeps the cookies chewy.
• 2 large eggs – Always use room-temperature eggs to help them blend seamlessly into the dough.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – A must for that warm, comforting aroma.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Spooned and leveled to avoid dense cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – The leavening agent that gives these cookies their lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Just a touch to ensure they stay tender.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Because chocolate makes everything better.
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained – Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (reserved from the jar) – This little secret ingredient intensifies the cherry flavor beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, parchment is a game-changer for easy cleanup and perfectly golden bottoms.
2. Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is key for that dreamy cookie texture!
3. Add Eggs & Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and reserved maraschino cherry juice. The dough will smell heavenly already!
4. 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 leads to tough cookies, so go gently.
5. Fold in the Goodies: Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries. The dough will be soft and speckled with vibrant red and chocolate—so pretty!

At this point, your dough is ready to be scooped and baked, but here’s a little secret: chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and deepens the flavors. If you can resist the temptation, it’s worth the wait!

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With their chewy texture, bursts of sweet cherries, and rich chocolate chips, they’re sure to become a new go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies bring a touch of nostalgia and joy to every bite.

Ready to whip up a batch? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear your thoughts—did you add any personal twists? Share your baking adventures in the comments below, or explore more of our sweet recipes for more inspiration. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries sound tempting, maraschino cherries work best here because of their sweetness and soft texture. Fresh cherries may release too much moisture, altering the cookie’s consistency. If you’re in a pinch, you can try dried cherries, but keep in mind the flavor profile will be different.

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

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 and enjoy whenever a craving strikes!

Can I omit the almond extract?

Absolutely! The almond extract enhances the cherry flavor, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, vanilla extract works just fine. The cookies will still be deliciously sweet and chewy.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Over-spreading can happen if your butter is too soft or if the dough isn’t chilled enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and avoid using overly softened butter. If your kitchen is warm, a longer chill time might help.

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! White chocolate chips pair wonderfully with the maraschino cherries, offering a creamy contrast to their sweetness. Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips or even a mix of your favorites.