As I whisked together the vibrant mix of ingredients, the alluring scent of cherries and chocolate enveloped my kitchen. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are my go-to remedy when I want a swift treat that dazzles at any gathering. What sets these cookies apart is their delightful chewy texture, perfectly juxtaposed with sweet bursts of maraschino cherries and the richness of chocolate—making them not just a dessert, but a memorable experience. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or in need of a late-night snack, this easy recipe can be ready in just 40 minutes, with gluten-free and vegan options to accommodate everyone. Could anything be better than sharing a warm cookie with family and friends? Let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Deliciously Unique: The pairing of maraschino cherries with chocolate creates a taste sensation that’s both familiar and exciting.
Quick & Easy: You’ll have these delightful cookies ready in just 40 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
Flexible Options: With gluten-free and vegan variations, everyone can enjoy these treats, no matter their dietary needs.
Chewy Perfection: Each cookie provides that ideal chewy texture, balanced by the juicy bursts of cherries that elevate each bite.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family night, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Consider trying these with a side of Mouth Butter Cookies or our Mexican Wedding Cookies for a variety of flavors on your dessert table!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create these delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!
For the Cookie Base
- All-purpose flour – The foundation for texture; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for gluten-free cookies.
- Cornstarch – Helps create a softer, chewier cookie.
- Baking soda – Provides lift for your cookies, ensuring they rise beautifully.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Creams with sugar for a chewy texture; ensure it’s room temperature for best results.
- Light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Enhances sweetness, complementing the brown sugar beautifully.
- Large eggs – Binds the ingredients together for that perfect chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
- Almond extract – Offers a subtle nutty hint; omit for nut allergies.
- Pink gel food coloring – Creates a cheerful, eye-catching appearance (optional).
For the Mix-ins
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The primary chocolate flavor adds richness to the cookies.
- Maraschino cherries – Sweet and juicy bursts throughout the cookies; chop finely for even distribution.
Feel free to get creative with these ingredients, and enjoy the sweet experience of baking Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies that will surely wow everyone!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will ensure your Maraschino Cherry Cookies do not stick, making for effortless transfer after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This mixture creates the perfect base for your cookies, balancing flavor and texture. Set this bowl aside as the dry ingredients will be mixed into the wet ingredients later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the tender texture of the Maraschino Cherry Cookies, so be patient!
Step 4: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Add the large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookies’ chewy consistency. The batter should be smooth with a hint of the delicious almond aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Step 5: Color the Dough
If you desire a cheerful pop of color for your Maraschino Cherry Cookies, fold in a small amount of pink gel food coloring. Mix gently until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step is optional but adds a fun visual element to your cookies that will delight family and friends.
Step 6: Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make your cookies tough. It’s okay if a few floury streaks remain; the remaining mixing will come with the next steps.
Step 7: Fold in the Mix-ins
Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough. Ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, creating luscious bites in each cookie. The cherries will burst with sweetness, complementing the rich chocolate beautifully.
Step 8: Form the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for spreading. For an extra touch, press a few additional chocolate chips and cherry pieces onto the top of each dough ball.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the Maraschino Cherry Cookies for 10-13 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers remain soft. This perfect balance is key for achieving that delightful chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. This cooling period allows them to firm up slightly while retaining a soft center. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy the enticing aroma filling your kitchen!
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Indulging in warm Maraschino Cherry Cookies is a delightful experience, and pairing these sweet treats with complementary sides can elevate your dessert game.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a cool, rich counterpoint to the warm, chewy cookies. It’s a classic that satisfies both kids and adults alike!
Chocolate Milk: The sweet, chocolatey undertone of chocolate milk makes for a nostalgic pairing, enhancing the cookie’s flavors while providing a fun twist.
Fresh Berries: Serve the cookies alongside a mix of fresh strawberries and blueberries to add a burst of natural sweetness and refreshing acidity. They beautifully balance the rich, chocolaty flavors.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso can amplify the cookie’s flavors, creating a cozy experience perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening at home.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an airy texture and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chewy cookie, making each bite feel luxurious.
Milkshake: Consider blending up a chocolate or cherry milkshake for a fun, indulgent pairing. The creamy texture complements the chewiness of the cookies perfectly.
Enjoy these Maraschino Cherry Cookies with any of these delightful accompaniments, and watch as the simple become memorable moments shared with family and friends.
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully. Simply scoop the dough into balls and store them in an airtight container. For even longer storage, freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for delicious, warm cookies that are just as delightful as fresh-baked. By prepping the dough ahead, you’ll have a sweet snack ready at a moment’s notice!
Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes enhances flavor and texture, leading to even chewier Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be set but still soft in the center for the perfect chewiness.
Adjusting Stickiness: If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add a bit more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency before baking.
Colorful Presentation: For an extra visual pop, feel free to add a bit more pink gel food coloring, but ensure it’s well-mixed for uniformity.
Mix-Ins Variations: Get creative with mix-ins; try adding nuts or dried fruit for additional texture and flavor in your Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful softness.
Refrigeration: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies, where they’ll stay tasty for up to a week.
Freezer: Freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to baking time for perfect Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked taste!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies your own with these delightful twists and substitutions!
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to create equally soft and chewy cookies that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a plant-based treat. The same great love for cookies can be shared with everyone around you!
- Extra Flavor: Add a tablespoon of orange zest for a refreshing twist that beautifully complements the cherries and chocolate.
- Nutty Texture: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch. The nuttiness pairs perfectly with sweet chocolaty goodness.
- Minty Twist: Incorporate peppermint extract for a festive flavor profile that brightens up the traditional cookie experience. Feel free to add some crushed peppermint candies for extra flair!
- Dried Fruit Substitution: Try replacing maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or apricots. This not only changes the flavor but adds a delightful chewiness when baked.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, cozy notes and a lovely scent as they bake that transforms your kitchen into a sweet haven.
- Chewy Bar Variation: Press the cookie dough into a greased baking dish instead of forming cookies for chewy cherry chocolate bars, conveniently serving a crowd.
If you’re looking for more cookie ideas, be sure to check out our delightful Lemon Meltaway Cookies or try making our Mexican Wedding Cookies for a variety of flavors to tantalize your taste buds!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to choose ripe maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Look for maraschino cherries that are vibrant in color and have a uniform appearance. Avoid those with dark spots, as they may indicate overripeness. Always check for a firm texture; soft cherries can compromise the cookie’s structure.
How should I store the cookies, and how long do they last?
Very important! Store your Maraschino Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll stay delicious for about a week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? How do I do it?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies dough, scoop the cookie dough into golf ball-sized portions and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from frozen.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, simply add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour at a time until it becomes manageable. Incorporate it gently to avoid toughening the dough. Remember, a little stickiness is perfectly normal, especially if your butter was slightly warmer, but you want it to be scoopable and easy to work with!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you have nut allergies, you can omit almond extract from the recipe. For gluten-free options, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have delicious cookies everyone can enjoy. If you’re aiming for vegan cookies, substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan-friendly butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
Can I add extra ingredients to the cookies?
The more the merrier! Feel free to customize your Maraschino Cherry Cookies by adding a tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy note or mixing in some chopped nuts for added texture. You can even swap out maraschino cherries for dried fruit like cranberries or apricots for a different twist!
Delicious Maraschino Cherry Cookies That Wow Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fold in a small amount of pink gel food coloring if desired, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place it on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
