Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

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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:

• Bright cherry flavor meets melty semi-sweet chocolate in every bite

• Perfectly soft and chewy texture with crisp golden edges

• Festive and pretty—ideal for bake sales, gifting, or holiday parties

• Beginner-friendly recipe with simple pantry ingredients

Ingredients Breakdown

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened – Provides richness and a soft, chewy texture.

• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create a crisp edge.

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.

• 2 large eggs – Bind the dough and provide structure.

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour – The base that gives the cookies their structure.

• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies spread and rise.

• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds lightness and volume.

• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped – Adds chewy, sweet-tart bursts of flavor and vibrant color.

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Provides melty richness that complements the cherries.

Tips and Tricks:

• Drain cherries well and blot with a paper towel to avoid extra moisture in the dough

• For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure

• Want perfectly round cookies? Gently shape them with a spoon right after baking

• Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and chewy

Variations and Customizations:

• White Chocolate Version: Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate for a more festive flavor

• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat

• Festive Flair: Roll dough balls in colored sugar before baking for holidays

Pairing Suggestions:

Beverages:

• Cold milk

• Vanilla latte

• Cherry-infused herbal tea

Serve With:

• Chocolate fondue

• Ice cream sundaes

• Fresh fruit platters

Storage Instructions:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days

• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months

• 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.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 25–27 minutes
• Yield: 36 cookies 1x

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Description

Chewy, buttery cookies studded with tangy maraschino cherries and melty chocolate chips—a sweet-tart twist on a classic!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

• Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

• In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes)

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each

• Stir in vanilla extract

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt

• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined

Step 5: Add Mix-ins

• Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Avoid overmixing

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

• Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set

Step 7: Cool and Serve

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Notes

• These cookies make excellent edible gifts when packaged in cellophane bags or cookie tins

• Be sure to let cherries dry slightly to prevent soggy cookies

• Use real butter for the best flavor—margarine won’t give the same rich taste

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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