Imagine biting into a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with both chocolatey goodness and a hint of sweet cherry magic. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to make that dream come true. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these today! With their burst of bright, fruity sweetness from the maraschino cherries, combined with rich, melty chocolate chips, these cookies are an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, treating yourself, or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are the perfect balance of nostalgia and new flavor.

Why You’ll Love Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about cookies—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking them to surprise your friends at a get-together or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, these cookies are the perfect companion. Here’s why they’ll quickly become your new favorite:

Versatile:

Perfect for a family treat, a holiday dessert table, or simply satisfying that sweet craving, these cookies fit just about any occasion. Picture it: you’re enjoying a cozy night in, biting into one of these soft, chewy treats, and thinking, “Why haven’t I made these sooner?”

Budget-Friendly:

With ingredients you likely already have on hand, these cookies are proof that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to bake up something extraordinary. The sweet cherries add a special touch, but the rest of the ingredients are all pantry staples.

Quick and Easy:

No complicated steps here—just simple, straightforward instructions that make these cookies a breeze to whip up. Whether you’re a baking pro or a newbie, you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when you pull these out of the oven.

Customizable:

While the combo of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips is perfect, you can totally get creative with your additions! Throw in some chopped nuts, a swirl of caramel, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to really make these cookies your own.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Let’s be real—these cookies will steal the spotlight at any gathering. They’re chewy, sweet, and filled with the perfect balance of flavors that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

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Ingredients in Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s the magic of these cookies—it’s made with a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Butter: The creamy base that brings everything together, creating that perfect soft texture.

Granulated Sugar: For that classic cookie sweetness.

Brown Sugar: Adds a little extra richness and depth to the flavor.

Eggs: To hold everything together and give the cookies their perfect structure.

Vanilla Extract: A must for that sweet, warm flavor that enhances the chocolate and cherries.

Flour: The foundation of the cookie dough—keep it balanced for the perfect chewy texture.

Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just the right amount, giving them that lovely texture.

Maraschino Cherries: These cherries bring a burst of sweet, fruity goodness that will make every bite a little piece of heaven.

Chocolate Chips: Rich and melty, these add a dose of indulgence to every bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these flavorful cookies:

Preheat Your Equipment:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake and gives your cookies that golden finish you’re looking for.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and incorporated.

Add Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. You want the dough to come together without overmixing.

Fold in the Fun:

Gently fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Don’t be afraid to add a few extra cherries if you’re a fan of that extra burst of sweetness!

Scoop and Place:

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread a little while baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them, as the baking time might vary a bit depending on your oven.

Finishing Touches:

Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool down before you dive in!

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these warm with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage, and enjoy the chewy, sweet, and chocolatey goodness that is about to take over your taste buds!

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a few accompaniments to enhance the experience. Here are a few serving suggestions to make this treat even more special:

A Glass of Milk:

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The creamy milk will balance out the sweetness and help those cherries and chocolate chips shine even more.

Ice Cream Sandwiches:

Take things to the next level by turning these cookies into an ice cream sandwich. The chewy cookie and cool, creamy ice cream make a perfect combo!

Coffee or Hot Cocoa:

If you’re in the mood for something cozy, serve these with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. The warmth and richness of the drink pair perfectly with the chewy, fruity cookies.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead:

Make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This gives the flavors time to meld together, and you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Spice It Up:

Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough for a different flavor twist.

Dietary Adjustments:

If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for a dairy-free version.

Storage Tips:

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If they last that long!

Freeze the Dough:

If you want to have fresh cookies on hand whenever you need them, scoop the dough into balls, freeze them, and then bake directly from frozen when the craving strikes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries?
A1: You absolutely can! Dried cherries will give the cookies a chewier texture and a slightly more tart flavor.

Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious!

Q4: Can I freeze this cookie dough?
A4: Yes! Freeze the dough in individual scoops on a baking sheet, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer when you’re ready!

Q5: How do I make the cookies softer?
A5: To keep them soft, be careful not to overbake them. The centers should still look slightly underdone when you pull them out of the oven.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure you have a large enough bowl to mix everything. The baking time may vary slightly with a larger batch, so keep an eye on them.

Q7: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A7: While cookies are typically a standalone treat, serving them with fresh fruit or a light salad could make for a delightful, balanced snack or dessert spread.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies that are sure to be your new favorite treat. These cookies are a sweet, chewy masterpiece that balances the richness of chocolate with the bright zing of cherries. They’re perfect for any occasion, and once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share the love! Your friends and family will thank you for it.