Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for a cookie that will instantly brighten up your day with bursts of juicy sweetness and rich chocolate goodness, you have to try Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. These delightful treats combine the nostalgic charm of maraschino cherries with melty dark chocolate chips in a buttery, soft cookie base that melts in your mouth. The subtle sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates the flavors, making each bite a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and fruity that’s impossible to resist. Whether you want a special snack or a standout dessert, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple but carefully chosen ingredients that work beautifully together to create both flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role — from the richness of butter to the brightness of maraschino cherries — ensuring your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come out tender yet chewy with bursts of chocolate and fruity freshness.

• Butter, ¾ cup softened: The base fat that gives cookies their tender crumb and rich taste; softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp cookie edge.
• Light brown sugar, ½ cup: Keeps cookies moist and imparts a subtle caramel note.
• Egg, 1 large: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for a chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract, ½ tbsp: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Salt, ¾ tsp: Balances sweetness and deepens flavors.
• Baking soda, ¾ tsp: The leavening agent that helps cookies rise and spread perfectly.
• All-purpose flour, 2 cups + 2 tbsp: Provides the structure and body of the cookie dough.
• Maraschino cherries, ¾ cup chopped: Pitted and chopped small for bursts of juicy, colorful sweetness throughout.
• Chopped dark or semisweet chocolate, ¾ cup: Adds rich, slightly bitter contrast that complements the cherries beautifully.
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling: The final touch that makes each bite pop with balanced flavor.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This little prep step makes cleanup simpler and your cookies come out picture-perfect.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherries

Remove the stems from your maraschino cherries and pat them dry completely to avoid excess moisture that could make your dough too wet. After chopping them finely, give them a second pat dry. This ensures your cookies maintain a perfect texture without sogginess.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment or using a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter together with granulated and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy, around 1 to 2 minutes. This step aerates the dough, leading to tender cookies with a good rise.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the texture soft and chewy, so a gentle incorporation is all you need.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix in Cherries and Chocolate

Gradually add the salt, baking soda, and flour to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate pieces carefully to evenly distribute those wonderful flavors without breaking up the fruit too much.

Step 6: Portion Your Cookie Dough

Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to form balls about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons each. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them 3 to 4 inches apart so the cookies have room to spread as they bake. For an extra chocolatey finish, add a few more pieces on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake one sheet at a time in your preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes. Pull them out as soon as the edges look set, keeping in mind the centers will still appear slightly under-baked. This is key for achieving that soft, chewy center that makes these cookies stand out.

Step 8: Finish with Flaky Sea Salt and Cool

Right after removing from the oven, sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This finishing touch enhances every flavor in your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies wonderfully.

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkling a bit more flaky sea salt or even a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate can turn these cookies into an elegant treat perfect for special occasions. Adding a fresh cherry on the side will echo the fruitiness inside the cookie and brighten your presentation.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a rich hot chocolate. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of crème fraîche to add creamy contrast to the chewy and chocolatey bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies wrapped with a colorful ribbon for gift-giving or party favors. You can also sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible frozen dessert. Another fun idea is to crumble them over whipped cream-topped desserts for extra texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them soft and chewy, preserving that perfect balance of fruity cherries and rich chocolate with every bite.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these delights later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.

Reheating

Warm your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or for just a few minutes in a preheated oven at 300°F. This rewakes the chocolate and softens the cookie for a freshly baked feel that’s just as good the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a different moisture content and flavor profile, which can change the texture and sweetness of the cookies. Maraschino cherries bring a unique sweetness and color that makes these cookies special, but you can experiment with fresh cherries by finely chopping and reducing their moisture first.

Is there a dairy-free way to make these cookies?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter substitutes in place of regular butter. Just be sure the substitute you choose behaves similarly in baking to get the right texture and flavor.

Why do the cookies look underbaked in the center when I take them out?

That’s exactly how they should look! These cookies finish cooking on the baking sheet as they cool, which keeps the centers soft and chewy while the edges become set and slightly crisp.

Can I swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate?

You can, but be aware that milk chocolate is sweeter and less intense, which might alter the balance between the sweet and slightly bitter flavors. Dark or semisweet chocolate is recommended to complement the cherry’s tartness.

What does the flaky sea salt add to the cookies?

Flaky sea salt enhances all the flavors by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate and cherry notes. It adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite, making these cookies truly irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the combination of juicy maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips in a buttery cookie, and these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver exactly that magic every single time. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of happiness that you’ll want to make again and again!

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