These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a playful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Packed with sweet chopped cherries and melty chocolate chips, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with color and flavor.
With a pretty pink hue and no chill time required, they’re the perfect sweet treat for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- A Unique Twist: Classic chocolate chip cookies meet sweet, fruity cherries.
- Vibrant & Fun: Bright pops of color make them perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or gifting.
- Easy to Make: No chill time, no mixer needed — just mix, scoop, and bake.
- Soft and Chewy: With a subtle tang and richness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and patted dry
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and maraschino cherry juice.
Mix until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Stack and tie with ribbon for party favors or bake sales
Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa
Package in a jar or tin for homemade gifts
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature:
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freeze the Dough:
Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months — bake as needed!
🍒 Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice from the jar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries chopped and patted dry
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Mix in egg, vanilla, and cherry juice until smooth.
- Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually stir into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate
- Gently fold in maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Step 6: Scoop and Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
📊 Nutrition (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
🔥 Pro Tips for Success
- Pat the Cherries Dry: Excess moisture from the cherries can make the dough too wet and affect texture.
- Boost Cherry Flavor: Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for an extra cherry-almond twist.
- For Crispier Cookies: Bake 1–2 minutes longer if you prefer more golden, crispy edges.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: Helps ensure evenly sized, perfectly round cookies.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ins
- Dark Chocolate Chips for a richer flavor
- White Chocolate for contrast and color
- Chopped Nuts for added crunch
- Heart-Shaped Sprinkles for Valentine’s flair
📊 Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
❓ FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Maraschino cherries provide sweetness and color — fresh cherries won’t give the same result but can be used if pitted, chopped, and sweetened.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Nope! This dough can go straight into the oven. But if your kitchen is very warm, a 10-minute chill in the fridge won’t hurt.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
✅ Final Thoughts
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with delightful cherry-chocolate flavor in every bite. They’re festive, fun, and always a hit — whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself.
Brighten up your cookie tray with these colorful gems — one bite and you’ll be hooked! 🍒🍪💖
