Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the kind of dessert that instantly brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite. Soft, chewy centers, lightly crisp edges, rich chocolate chips, and bursts of sweet cherry flavor come together to create a cookie that feels both classic and special. The bright pop of maraschino cherries adds color, moisture, and a subtle fruity sweetness that balances beautifully with buttery dough and melted chocolate.
If you’re searching for easy dessert recipes that feel homemade, festive, and family-approved, this recipe checks every box. These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, weekend treats, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing sweet that uses simple pantry ingredients. With straightforward steps and flexible substitutions, this is one of those simple family recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy dessert recipe with simple, beginner-friendly steps
• Family comfort food that both kids and adults love
• Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have
• Soft, chewy texture with rich chocolate and cherry flavor
• Perfect for holidays, bake sales, and gifting
• Customizable with dairy-free or whole-grain options
Ingredient Breakdown
Unsalted Butter – Provides rich flavor and creates a soft, tender cookie texture. Softened butter is key for proper creaming and structure.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly while baking.
Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture, chewiness, and a deeper caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and give the cookies structure and softness.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the cookie dough.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the dough and provides the classic cookie structure.
Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft interior with lightly crisp edges.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Maraschino Cherries – Add moisture, sweetness, and a bright, fruity contrast that makes these cookies unique.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Deliver rich chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness of the cherries.
Pro Tips
Drain and pat the maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy for the best soft cookie texture.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent over-spreading.
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
Slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet for extra softness.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
For a dairy-free dessert, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for an easy substitution.
For a healthier twist, replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nutty flavor.
For extra indulgence, use dark chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips.
For a festive version, add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
For a thicker cookie, chill the dough longer before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort food experience. They’re perfect as an after-dinner dessert, a sweet lunchbox treat, or a festive addition to holiday cookie trays. For parties, arrange them on a platter with other easy dessert recipes like brownies or sugar cookies for variety.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are excellent for meal prep desserts. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. Baked cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to three months and bake as needed.
Cultural and Baking Notes
Cherry and chocolate have long been a beloved flavor combination in American baking, often associated with holidays, celebrations, and nostalgic desserts. These cookies put a fun twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie by adding maraschino cherries, a pantry staple often used in festive treats and classic desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce sugar slightly or substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
What substitutions work for allergies or preferences?
Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips or adjust flour types based on dietary needs.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This usually happens if the butter is too soft or the dough isn’t chilled enough.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
