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The first bite of a freshly baked Maraschino Cherry Cookie transports me to sunlit kitchens filled with laughter and love. You know that moment when the sweet aroma of chocolate and cherries wafts through your home, drawing everyone in? That’s exactly what these cookies deliver—an irresistible blend of flavors that charms both kids and adults alike.

I found myself longing for a cookie that not only looked as delightful as it tasted but also sparked joy in every bite. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a beautiful twist on the classic, with vibrant color and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Plus, they’re just the right amount of chewy, thanks to the combination of rich chocolate chips and chopped cherries.

So, forget the tired fast food runs! Let’s elevate our snacking game and create something homey and delicious together. Get ready to fill your kitchen with warmth, as each cookie that emerges from the oven is not just a treat; it’s a celebration!

Why Are Maraschino Cherry Cookies So Special?

Delightful flavors: The combination of maraschino cherries and rich chocolate creates an explosion of taste that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Vibrant color: A touch of pink gel food coloring adds a cheerful visual appeal, making them perfect for parties or special occasions.

Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.

Chewy texture: The balance between the chocolate and cherries delivers a chewy bite that will leave you craving more.

Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves cookies, and these uniquely flavored treats are sure to impress family and friends alike. Why not elevate your cookie game like with our chocolate chip cookie recipe?

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients

• Everything you need in one place!

For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – Essential for structure, this flour makes your cookies delightfully chewy.
• Cornstarch – Adds tenderness, keeping your Maraschino Cherry Cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth good.
• Baking soda – Helps your cookies rise to perfection, giving them that ideal texture.
• Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Adds luscious pockets of chocolate goodness; feel free to sprinkle some on top for extra charm!
• Unsalted butter – Richness comes from room temperature butter, making your cookies irresistibly creamy.
• Light brown sugar – Introduces a deeper flavor and moisture for a chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar – Contributes to the sweetness and creates a lovely golden color as they bake.
• Large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture; use room temperature for the best results.
• Vanilla extract – A classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth to your cookies.
• Almond extract – Just a hint adds a lovely floral note, elevating the overall taste experience.
• Pink gel food coloring – A little pop of color to make your cookies visually delightful.
• Maraschino cherries – These sweet, chopped gems add joyful bursts of flavor and a fun surprise in every bite.

For Garnish
• Extra chocolate chips – For a delicious and pretty touch, add these on top before baking.
• Chopped maraschino cherries – Sprinkle these on top for an appealing finish and a hint of extra cherry goodness.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350º F, and get ready for the delicious aroma. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Combine your dry ingredients by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. Setting this aside will help ensure an even texture.
Cream the butter and sugars together in a larger mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and pale, creating a perfect base for your cookies.
Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture. Beat it all together for 30 seconds until well blended, allowing those flavors to unite.
Add a small amount of pink gel food coloring. Mix until you achieve a beautiful shade that adds allure to your cookies!
Mix in the dry ingredients gradually on low speed. You’ll notice the dough starting to thicken as it comes together, so keep an eye on that texture.
Fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and 1 cup of chocolate chips with a spatula. Ensure everything is fully coated, but don’t over-mix as you want a lovely chunky dough.
Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop to form golf ball-sized balls, rolling them lightly between your hands. Press extra chocolate chips and chopped cherries into the outside for that added flair.
Arrange about 8 cookie dough balls on the lined cookie sheet. For the best bake, only place one sheet in the oven at a time—this allows for even baking.
Bake the cookies for approximately 10-13 minutes, keeping an eye out for the edges to turn golden brown while preventing any overbaking to maintain that lovely pink hue.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before removing them. This creates a gooey center and makes them easier to handle.

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Indulging in freshly baked cookies is a delightful experience, and pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate that joy even further.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla contrasts wonderfully with the rich chocolate and tart cherries, creating a timeless treat. Picture serving warm cookies with melting ice cream—pure bliss!
Milk: The classic pairing of cold milk complements the sweetness of the cookies, making every bite even more satisfying. Whether it’s whole milk or a plant-based alternative, the combination is ultimate comfort.
Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a warm cup of chocolatey goodness that echoes the flavors of your cookies. The rich, marshmallow-topped drink is like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and a refreshing crunch to balance out the sweetness. Try mixing berries, apples, and citrus for a colorful platter.
Coffee: A strong cup of brewed coffee can lighten the cookie’s sweetness, enhancing chocolate and cherry flavors while providing a delightful contrast.
Cherry Almond Smoothie: Blend together cherries, almond milk, and a hint of almond extract for a refreshing drink that ties back to the cookie’s flavors. It’s a delightful way to stay refreshed!
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Enhance the chocolatey experience with these luscious treats; the mix of flavors will make your taste buds dance. It’s a charming addition for gatherings or special celebrations.
Warm Brownies: For the ultimate chocolate lover’s fantasy, pair your cookies with fudgy brownies. This decadent duo is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Each of these delightful options enhances the magic of your Maraschino Cherry Cookies, making your treat time an inviting celebration of flavors!

How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful.

Fridge: If you wish to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they are tightly wrapped to avoid absorbing any odors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and gently warm in the oven at 300º F for 5-10 minutes for that freshly-baked taste every time!

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with delightful twists and substitutions!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a delicious gluten-free version. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture.
Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. This adds a hint of tropical flair while keeping them scrumptious.
Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty depth. They pair beautifully with the sweetness of cherries and chocolate.
Cherry Substitution: Experiment with dried cranberries or raspberries if you don’t have maraschino cherries on hand. They offer a tart contrast and give a new fruity twist.
Flavor Boost: Enhance flavor by incorporating orange zest or lemon zest into the butter mixture. This zing brightens the entire batch and makes every bite more refreshing.
Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note that complements the sweetness wonderfully.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent treat that will make them even more irresistible.
Double Chocolate: Swap out half the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor in each bite. It’s the perfect upgrade for chocolate lovers!

Tips for the Best Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming; this creates a fluffy base for your Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dough, mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so fold gently as you add cherries and chocolate.
Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring gooey centers while they firm up a bit for perfect enjoyment.
Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly to 350º F. An accurate temperature helps maintain the correct baking time and prevents overbaking.
Cookie Sizes: Use a cookie scoop for even-sized balls. If they’re too large, baking time may need adjusting, risking overbaking and losing that delightful pink hue!

Make Ahead Options

These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are the perfect candidate for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dough into balls and lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then refrigerate until ready to bake. If you prefer, you can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. To maintain quality, ensure the dough balls are placed in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven from the fridge or freezer; you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time for frozen dough. Enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked Maraschino Cherry Cookies with minimal effort!

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that are vibrant and bright in color. Avoid any that have dark spots or appear dull, as they may be past their prime. Fresh, high-quality cherries not only enhance the flavor of your cookies but also add to their beautiful appearance.

How should I store leftover Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week, making sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors.

Can I freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Very! Freezing these cookies is a great option. First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and warm them in a preheated oven at 300º F for 5-10 minutes. This way, they’ll taste just like fresh-baked cookies!

What should I do if my dough turns out too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky, it’s possible that the butter was too warm or the flour needs adjusting. Try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping. If it’s still sticky, you can gradually mix in a little more flour, just until the desired consistency is achieved. Remember, a thick dough results in chewy cookies!

Are there any allergies I should consider when making Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Yes! Be mindful of common allergens. These cookies contain eggs and gluten from the flour. If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, ensure the almond extract used is free from cross-contamination as tree nuts can be present in various flavorings. You can also omit the almond extract entirely if preferred.

Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips for another type?
The more the merrier! If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or even white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. You could also try stirring in nuts or using a mix of different types of chocolate for a delightful variety in every bite.