There’s something truly satisfying about taking classic cookies and giving them a sweet twist. I decided to combine them with the beloved chocolate chips, creating a chewy, colorful, and indulgent cookie that I instantly fell in love with.

The cherries give the cookies a subtle fruity flavor and a burst of moisture, while the chocolate chips add that rich, familiar sweetness we all adore. The end result is a cookie that feels like a treat from a special bakery but is easy enough to whip up on any given afternoon.

The maraschino cherries peeked out in vibrant little spots, and the chocolate chips melted into gooey pockets. I couldn’t resist grabbing one right away, and it was as if each bite was a little celebration.

Ever since, this combination has become a favorite for family get togethers, gift giving, and just those moments when I want a homemade treat that’s comforting, slightly fancy, and utterly satisfying.

Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies - PP156 Thumb Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Short Description

These Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and indulgent. Maraschino cherries add a pop of fruity flavor, while semisweet chocolate chips bring a rich, comforting touch to every bite. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these cookies are ideal for any occasion.

Key Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Tools Needed

Electric mixer or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Parchment paper or baking sheets
Cookie scoop or spoon
Cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Take your time here to ensure that the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cherries will add both a touch of color and a pop of fruity sweetness in each bite.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chewy and Soft: The combination of butter, sugar, and maraschino cherries gives these cookies a wonderfully chewy texture with just the right amount of softness.

Fruity and Sweet: The cherries bring a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the chocolate chips perfectly, making each bite a delightful balance of flavors.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike. You’ll have warm, delicious cookies in under 30 minutes.

Versatile: These cookies are great for family gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or just when you want to enjoy a homemade treat with your morning coffee.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Overmixing the Dough
Solution: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined, and no more. A few lumps are totally fine!

Mistake 2: Not Draining the Maraschino Cherries Properly
Solution: If the cherries are too wet, they can cause the dough to be too sticky, which makes shaping the cookies difficult. Be sure to drain them well and gently pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping.

Mistake 3: Underbaking the Cookies
Solution: To achieve the perfect texture, bake the cookies until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet once they’re out of the oven, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underdone.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With a Glass of Milk: These cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cold glass of milk, adding a comforting touch to your afternoon snack.

For a Cookie Platter: These cookies are colorful and festive, making them a great addition to any cookie platter for parties or family gatherings.

With Coffee or Tea: The sweet, fruity flavor pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a warm mug of tea, making them ideal for an indulgent breakfast or dessert.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough and bake as needed.

Freezing: Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To refresh the cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore that soft, chewy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cherries?
Yes! If you can’t find maraschino cherries, you could use fresh or dried cherries. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
If you use salted butter, omit the added salt from the recipe to prevent the cookies from being too salty.

3. What can I use if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar in a pinch, but brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor to the cookies.

4. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips, but the cookies will be a bit sweeter. Semisweet chocolate offers a nice balance with the cherries.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten free?
To make these cookies gluten free, you can substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend. Be sure to check if the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture intact.

Tips & Tricks

Soft Butter: Ensure your butter is soft but not melted for the best texture. This helps it cream properly with the sugars for that perfect chewy bite.

Add More Cherries: If you love cherries, feel free to add more chopped maraschino cherries. Just be careful not to overload the dough, as too much liquid can affect the texture.

Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent excessive spreading.

Recipe Variations

Coconut Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut for an extra tropical twist. The coconut complements the cherries and chocolate chips beautifully, giving the cookies a bit of a chewy bite.

Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a nutty crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the cookies.

White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Swap the semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a sweeter, creamier cookie. The contrast between the tart cherries and sweet white chocolate is absolutely delicious!

Final Thoughts

Baking these Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies felt like the perfect blend of nostalgia and creativity. I can still remember the first time I pulled them out of the oven the sweet, fruity aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew I had something special on my hands.

These cookies have become a go-to when I’m craving something comforting yet unique. The addition of cherries elevates the chocolate chip cookie into something a little extra special, making them not just a snack but an experience.