These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Each bite features chewy maraschino cherry pieces paired with rich semi-sweet chocolate, all nestled in a soft, buttery cookie base. With a perfect balance of sweet and tart, they’re festive enough for holidays and irresistible enough for everyday treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Bright cherry flavor meets melty semi-sweet chocolate in every bite
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Perfectly soft and chewy texture with crisp golden edges
- Festive and pretty—ideal for bake sales, gifting, or holiday parties
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Beginner-friendly recipe with simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients Breakdown
Wet Ingredients
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1 cup butter, softened – Provides richness and a soft, chewy texture.
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1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create a crisp edge.
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½ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
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2 large eggs – Bind the dough and provide structure.
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
Dry Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour – The base that gives the cookies their structure.
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1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies spread and rise.
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½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds lightness and volume.
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½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Mix-Ins
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1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped – Adds chewy, sweet-tart bursts of flavor and vibrant color.
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Provides melty richness that complements the cherries.
Tips and Tricks:
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Drain cherries well and blot with a paper towel to avoid extra moisture in the dough
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For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure
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Want perfectly round cookies? Gently shape them with a spoon right after baking
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Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and chewy
Variations and Customizations:
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White Chocolate Version: Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate for a more festive flavor
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Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat
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Festive Flair: Roll dough balls in colored sugar before baking for holidays
Pairing Suggestions:
Beverages:
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Cold milk
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Vanilla latte
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Cherry-infused herbal tea
Serve With:
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Chocolate fondue
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Ice cream sundaes
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Fresh fruit platters
Storage Instructions:
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
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Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months
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Reheating: Microwave cookies for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste
Popular Questions:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, but they should be pitted, chopped, and blotted dry to avoid extra moisture.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessary, but chilling for 30 minutes helps with thicker, chewier cookies.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales well for large batches or parties.