There’s something incredibly nostalgic and joyful about biting into a cookie that’s equal parts chewy, gooey, and sweetly unexpected. Enter these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies—a whimsical twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie that adds juicy pops of cherry in every irresistible bite. Think soft centers, golden edges, bursts of cherry, and melty chocolate chips all mingling in perfect harmony. These cookies feel like a celebration—bright, bold, and totally delightful.

Why You’ll Love Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are more than just pretty—they’re downright addictive. The cherries add a subtle almondy tang and a beautiful pink hue to the dough, while the chocolate chips bring that rich, melty comfort you crave. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just a Tuesday cookie craving.

Pro Tips for Cherry Cookie Success

• Pat your cherries dry! This prevents soggy dough and ensures the cookies bake up just right.
• Chill the dough if it’s warm—it helps prevent spreading.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips for maximum melt and flavor.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2. 3/4 cup brown sugar
3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
4. 2 large eggs
5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
6. 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but delicious)
7. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
8. 1/2 tsp baking soda
9. 1/2 tsp salt

Mix-ins

10. 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and patted dry
11. 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Let’s get baking!

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
5. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
6. Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
8. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Cherry Cookie Texture & Taste

The soft chew of the cookie dough, combined with juicy cherry bits and the snap of cooling chocolate, is simply divine. These cookies are rich but fruity, sweet but balanced. Expect ooohs and aaahs with every batch.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk
• Stack and wrap in ribbon for edible gifts
• Crumble over ice cream for a decadent sundae topping

Storage & Leftovers

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Want to keep dough on hand? Freeze cookie dough balls and bake from frozen—just add 2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Creative Twists

• Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier bite
• Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate for bakery-style flair

FAQ’s

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead?
   Not recommended—they’re too juicy. Maraschino cherries are best for texture and sweetness.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes! Scoop onto a tray, freeze, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
3. Do I need almond extract?
   It’s optional, but it brings out the cherry flavor beautifully.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Absolutely—just sub a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
5. What happens if my cherries are too wet?
   Your dough might get too soft and the cookies may spread too much. Always pat cherries dry.
6. Can I add food coloring to enhance the pink hue?
   Yes! A drop or two of red or pink gel food coloring will make the dough more vibrant.
7. What kind of chocolate works best?
   Semi-sweet is ideal, but dark or white chocolate chips are great too.
8. Why are my cookies too flat?
   Chilling the dough helps prevent overspreading. Try 30 minutes in the fridge before baking.
9. Can I use a cookie scoop?
   Definitely—it ensures even cookies and consistent baking.
10. How many cookies does this recipe make?
    About 24–30 depending on your scoop size.

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the cookie jar glow-up you didn’t know you needed. Every bite is playful, colorful, and indulgently delicious. They’re the kind of cookie that makes people pause mid-bite and go, “Wait—what is IN this?!” Trust me—you’ll want to keep a stash hidden just for you.

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