Name: Delicious Maraschino Cherry Cookies You'll Love to Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Substitution: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free Maraschino Cherry Cookies.); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon pink gel food coloring; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (drained and finely chopped)

As I rummaged through my pantry one rainy afternoon, I stumbled across a jar of maraschino cherries that brought back delightful memories of birthday cakes and ice cream sundaes. Inspired by that nostalgia, I decided to whip up a batch of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are not only a quick and fuss-free treat, requiring just 40 minutes to create, but they also pack a punch with their rich, chewy texture and sweet cherry surprises. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Ready to bake something irresistible that’s designed for everyone, including gluten-free and vegan friends? Let’s dive in!

Why Are Maraschino Cherry Cookies So Special?

Unique Flavor Combo: The delightful mix of chocolate and cherries creates an irresistible taste that’s sure to impress.

Quick to Make: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, these cookies fit perfectly into your busy schedule.

Versatile Options: Whether you need a gluten-free or vegan version, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit various dietary needs.

Chewy Texture: Enjoy a soft, chewy cookie with melty chocolate chips in every bite—a comforting treat everyone will love.

Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a delightful addition to any gathering; pair them with Chewy Brown Cookies or Cinnamon Roll Cookies for an impressive dessert spread!

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create these delightful treats!

For the Cookie Base

All-purpose flour – Provides the perfect chewy texture; Substitution: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
Cornstarch – Helps achieve an extra soft and tender cookie.
Baking soda – Ensures your cookies rise beautifully for a perfect shape.
Salt – Just a pinch enhances the sweetness of the cookie.
Unsalted butter (room temperature) – Adds a rich, moist flavor to the cookies.
Light brown sugar – Contributes a lovely caramel undertone in every bite.
Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the brown sugar.
Large eggs – Binds everything together, giving structure and chewiness to the cookies.
Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and a depth of flavor.
Almond extract – Adds a subtle nutty hint, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Pink gel food coloring – Provides a fun and cheerful pop of color.

For the Mix-ins

Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The stars of the show that melt beautifully with the cherries.
Maraschino cherries – Drained and finely chopped for juicy bursts of sweetness in every cookie.

Now that you have the ingredients ready, let’s get to baking these irresistibly chewy Maraschino Cherry Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. This preparation step ensures you have everything ready for the sweet aroma of Maraschino Cherry Cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients thoroughly for about a minute. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which will help your cookies rise beautifully as they bake.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed for approximately 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The airy texture will contribute to the deliciously soft texture of your Maraschino Cherry Cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, crack in two large eggs, and add the vanilla and almond extracts to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This step brings together the flavors and binds the ingredients, resulting in a rich dough ready for your cookies.

Step 5: Color the Dough
To add a fun twist, incorporate a small amount of pink gel food coloring into the dough. Stir well until the color is evenly distributed, creating a lovely blush hue. This visual pop not only delights the eye but also adds a festive touch to your Maraschino Cherry Cookies.

Step 6: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until just combined, ensuring no streaks of flour remain. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, a perfect canvas for the delightful mix-ins that follow.

Step 7: Add the Mix-ins
Now, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough to guarantee sweet, juicy bursts of flavor in each Maraschino Cherry Cookie. The juxtaposition of the chocolate and cherries makes every bite exciting.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form golf ball-sized dough balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie for spreading. This will ensure they bake evenly and maintain their perfect chewy texture.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-13 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies should be set around the edges but soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to preserve that delightful chewiness characteristic of Maraschino Cherry Cookies.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen as these beautiful cookies cool, ready for enjoyment!

How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, place the cookies in the refrigerator where they can last for up to 1 week. Make sure to seal them well to prevent any drying out.

Freezer: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Form balls, flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to warm them up and restore their delightful chewiness!

Make Ahead Options

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients, then cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. The chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips can also be prepped ahead; store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies, simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-13 minutes as directed. This way, you’ll have homemade Maraschino Cherry Cookies that are just as delicious and soft, saving you time during busy weeknights!

Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Chill the Dough: Allow your dough to chill for at least 30 minutes. This enhances the flavor and helps maintain the cookie’s chewy texture.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close watch during baking; cookies should be set at the edges yet soft in the center for that perfect chewy bite.
Sticky Dough Solution: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle in additional flour gradually until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Decoration Option: Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence that beautifully enhances the Maraschino Cherry flavor.
Mix-In Variations: Feel free to experiment! Add nuts or dried fruits to give your Maraschino Cherry Cookies a unique twist and texture.

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations

Feel inspired to make these delightful cookies your own with these fun variations and substitutions. Let’s get creative in the kitchen!

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Your guests won’t even notice the difference!
Vegan: Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and swap the eggs for flax eggs. This way, everyone can enjoy a bite of these sweet treats!
Citrus Zest: Add orange zest to the dough for a refreshing twist that adds bright flavor to each cookie. The citrus aroma will evoke memories of sunny days!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast that beautifully complements the cherries and chocolate chips. Each bite will have a delightful texture.
Minty Freshness: A splash of mint extract can elevate your cookies with a cool freshness that pairs wonderfully with chocolate. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic!
Dried Fruit Swap: Swap out maraschino cherries for dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a new flavor profile. This can add a subtle chew while still being fruity and sweet.
Chocolate Lovers Delight: For an even more indulgent cookie, try adding chunks of dark chocolate along with your semi-sweet chocolate chips. Double the chocolate means double the delight!
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick that cuts the sweetness. It’s an adventurous twist for those who like their treats with a bit of heat!

By experimenting with these variations, you can create a delicious range of cookies that will keep everyone coming back for more! Enjoy sharing these treats alongside Cinnamon Roll Cookies or Fruity Pebble Sugar Cookies for a delightful dessert spread at your next gathering.

What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulging in the delightful sweetness of these cookies opens up a world of delicious pairing possibilities that elevate your treat time.

Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing adds a creamy contrast that complements the chewy texture and cherry flavors beautifully. Imagine warm cookies alongside a scoop of luscious vanilla, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Fresh Berry Medley: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries brings a refreshing tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies. The vibrant colors and juicy bursts will make your dessert spread visually stunning and delicious.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce creates an indulgent, gooey finish on top of each cookie. The rich sweetness enhances the cherry notes, making every bite feel like a decadent dessert adventure.
Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea provide a cozy, aromatic balancing flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and cherries. Snuggling up with a cup of chai and these cookies invites a comforting, delightful moment.
Chocolate Milkshake: Treat yourself to a luscious chocolate milkshake for a nostalgic pairing that takes you back to childhood sweet treats. The creamy delight meshes seamlessly with the chewy cookies for a delightful indulgence.
Coffee: Whether black or with cream, coffee’s bitter notes contrast beautifully with the cookie’s sweetness, enhancing the chocolate and cherry flavors. The perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
Chocolate-Covered Cherries: For cherry lovers, serving chocolate-covered cherries alongside your cookies amplifies the cherry flavor while keeping the chocolate theme alive. It’s perfect for themed parties or special occasions!
Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti brings a delightful textural contrast to the chewy cookies, offering an elegant touch to your dessert lineup. Dipping them in coffee or tea is a cozy ritual everyone can enjoy!

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

How can I select the perfect maraschino cherries for baking?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that have vibrant color and no dark spots. The cherries should be firm and well-drained, ensuring they’re not overly soggy. I recommend tasting a few to make sure they’re sweet and flavorful, as this will enhance your cookies!

What is the best way to store my Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
The best method is to keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their soft and chewy texture. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about 1 week, but be sure they’re well-sealed to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later baking?
Very! Freezing your unbaked cookie dough is an excellent way to ensure you always have a delicious treat on hand. After forming the dough balls, flash freeze them on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky to work with?
If your dough is a bit sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle in 1-2 tablespoons of additional flour, mixing it in gradually until the dough becomes manageable. This will help you shape the cookies without them sticking to your hands or the baking sheet.

Are there any dietary considerations I need to be aware of with Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Absolutely! To make these cookies nut-free, ensure that you omit any optional nuts you might want to add, and check that your ingredients do not contain any cross-contamination with nuts. For gluten-free options, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

How can I make my cookies more decadent?
One delightful option is to drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. This not only enhances the flavor but also provides a gorgeous presentation. To do this, melt some semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave or double boiler and use a spoon to drizzle it over each cookie!