If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that combines the nostalgic charm of chocolate chip cookies with a vibrant burst of cherry flavor, then Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are exactly what you need. These cookies bring a fresh twist to the classic chocolate chip cookie by incorporating juicy, sweet maraschino cherries. The result? A chewy, soft, and delightfully flavorful cookie that’s irresistible and perfect for any occasion.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making the perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies — from selecting the best ingredients, mastering the baking steps, to expert tips and creative variations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a casual cook, this article has everything you need to create show-stopping cookies that will wow your family and friends.
What Makes Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies So Special?
The magic of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in the marriage of two beloved flavors: the rich, melty chocolate chips and the sweet, slightly tangy maraschino cherries. Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies, these cookies surprise you with juicy bursts of cherry flavor in every bite, perfectly complementing the chocolate.
Here’s why these cookies stand out:
- Unique Flavor Profile: The maraschino cherries add a fruity sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Textural Delight: Soft, chewy cookie dough with little pockets of juicy cherries creates an exciting texture.
- Visual Appeal: The bright red cherries scattered throughout make these cookies look festive and fun.
- Quick & Easy: The recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, perfect for last-minute baking.
- Versatile Snack: Ideal for holiday parties, casual snacks, lunchboxes, or as a charming homemade gift.

Ingredient Spotlight: What You Need for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s explore the ingredients and their roles in making the perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Butter (½ cup, softened)
Butter is the base of your cookie dough, providing rich flavor and moisture. Using softened unsalted butter ensures the dough creams well with sugars, creating a light, fluffy texture.
Brown Sugar (¾ cup) and White Sugar (¼ cup)
Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel undertone, while white sugar helps the cookies crisp up on the edges. The combination ensures your cookies stay chewy in the center and crisp at the edges.
Egg (1 large)
The egg binds the ingredients and adds structure, helping the cookies rise slightly and maintain their shape.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, complementing both the chocolate and cherry notes.
All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups)
This is the bulk of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking Soda (½ tsp) and Salt (¼ tsp)
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies spread and rise properly, while salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Maraschino Cherries (¾ cup, drained and chopped)
These cherries are soaked in a sweet syrup that makes them juicy and flavorful. Chopped cherries distribute throughout the cookie dough, adding bursts of fruity sweetness and a striking red color.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (¾ cup)
Classic chocolate chips add the rich, melty chocolate flavor every chocolate chip cookie lover expects.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the detailed steps to create your own batch of these irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together using an electric mixer or hand whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color — about 3 to 5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the dough for a lighter texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chopped Maraschino Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Be careful not to break up the cherries too much to retain juicy pockets in the cookies.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color but the centers still look slightly soft. This underbaking ensures chewy centers once cooled.
Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Baking Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Every Time
1. Use Room Temperature Butter and Eggs
Softened butter creams better with sugars, trapping air that creates a tender, light crumb. Similarly, room temperature eggs incorporate more easily and evenly.
2. Drain and Chop Cherries Well
Make sure to drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make cookies soggy. Chop into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
3. Don’t Overmix Dough
Mix until ingredients just come together. Overmixing develops gluten, making cookies tough.
4. Chill Dough (Optional)
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
5. Watch Your Oven
Ovens vary — start checking at 10 minutes. Pull cookies out when edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked.
6. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats
This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
Nutritional Overview of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies are a sweet treat, it’s good to understand their nutritional profile:
- Each cookie is approximately 160 kcal.
- Contains sugars from both chocolate chips and maraschino cherries.
- The butter provides fats essential for flavor and texture.
- Moderation is key to enjoying these cookies as part of a balanced diet.
Creative Variations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want to experiment? Here are some creative twists to customize your cookies:
Cherry-Almond Bliss
Add ½ tsp almond extract and toss in slivered almonds for a nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with cherries.
White Chocolate and Cherry
Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.
Cherry and Macadamia Nut
Mix in macadamia nuts with cherries for a rich, buttery crunch.
Cherry and Oats
Add ½ cup rolled oats for a hearty texture and rustic feel.
Double Chocolate Cherry
Replace half the flour with cocoa powder to make chocolate cookies with cherry accents.
Storing and Serving Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Dough Freezing: Cookie dough can be frozen in balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
- Serving: Serve plain, or with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or tea. For special occasions, pair with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have more moisture and tartness. If you use fresh, pit and chop them, and reduce other liquids slightly. Maraschino cherries provide consistent sweetness and color.
Q2: Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter provides flavor and structure that margarine or oil can’t fully replicate. Margarine can be used, but oil may produce denser cookies.
Q3: What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?
Drain well, then chop into roughly ¼-inch pieces for even distribution without overwhelming the dough.
Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a binding agent like xanthan gum to mimic texture.
Q5: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Q6: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t too warm or melted, and avoid too much sugar or oil. Chilling dough also helps control spreading.
Conclusion
In summary, Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic cookie, combining sweet cherries with rich chocolate chips for an unforgettable treat. With their chewy texture, vibrant color, and balanced sweetness, these cookies are a perfect bake for holidays, parties, or everyday enjoyment.
The recipe’s simplicity and quick prep make it accessible for bakers of all levels, while the creative possibilities ensure you can personalize it to your taste. Remember to use quality ingredients, follow the baking tips, and enjoy the process — because baking is about joy as much as flavor.