Name: Maraschino Cherry Cookies: A Festive Treat to Brighten Your Day
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 38 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (can be substituted with gluten-free blend); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (can be omitted); 1 teaspoon baking soda (no substitutions recommended); 1 pinch salt (essential for flavor); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (can substitute with white chocolate); ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); ½ cup light brown sugar (can use dark brown sugar); ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on preference); 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (no substitutes recommended); ½ teaspoon almond extract (can be omitted); a few drops pink gel food coloring (for vibrant color); 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and finely chopped)

Have you ever found yourself in a cookie conundrum? You want to bake something festive, yet easy enough for a last-minute gathering. Let me introduce you to the delightful world of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! These vibrant treats not only add a splash of color to your dessert table but also feature a delectable combination of cherry sweetness and rich chocolatey goodness. What makes them even more enticing is that they require just 10 minutes of prep time—perfect for busy bakers! Plus, with gluten-free options available, everyone can join in on the fun, making these cookies a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Aren’t you curious to find out how to whip up these deliciously cheerful confections?

Why Are These Cookies So Special?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and the sweet burst of maraschino cherries creates a flavor sensation that’s hard to resist!

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, these cookies are perfect for those last-minute cravings or surprise guests.

Gluten-Free Options: Everyone can enjoy these festive treats, thanks to simple gluten-free adaptations!

Visual Appeal: Their stunning pink hue makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table, sure to impress your friends and family.

Versatile Variations: Feeling adventurous? Swap in white chocolate or add nuts for unique flavor twists. For more scrumptious cookie ideas, check out our delicious Lemon Pistachio Cookies or Gluten Free Cookies.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for celebrations, these cookies bring joy to any occasion, making them a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere!

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients

• For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and can be substituted with a gluten-free blend.
Cornstarch – Softens texture and helps keep cookies chewy; can be omitted for a simpler recipe.
Baking Soda – A crucial leavening agent for the cookies; no substitutions are recommended.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness, making it essential for these maraschino cherry cookies.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds rich sweetness; you might substitute with white chocolate for a twist.
Unsalted Butter – Needed for a smooth texture and flavor; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; dark brown sugar can also be used for depth.
Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness; adjust based on personal preference.
Large Egg – This ingredient binds everything together; ensure it’s at room temperature for best results.
Vanilla Extract – Key for enhancing the overall flavor; no substitutes recommended.
Almond Extract – Pairs beautifully with the cherries; can be omitted if you prefer a simpler taste.
Pink Gel Food Coloring – Responsible for the vibrant pink color; skip liquid food coloring for better results.
Maraschino Cherries – The star ingredient, providing bursts of sweetness and moisture; be sure they are drained and finely chopped.

Enjoy creating these delightful Maraschino Cherry Cookies that are sure to brighten up your day!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, you’re all set to bring those Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies to life!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This dry mixture lays the foundation for your cookies, ensuring they’re the perfect blend of chewy and delicious. Once you see an even mix of ingredients, set it aside to focus on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter, ½ cup of light brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. The creamy texture you achieve is crucial for delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Step 4: Add Egg and Flavorings
Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Incorporate 1 large room temperature egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and a few drops of pink gel food coloring into the creamed butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and you see a beautiful pink hue. This step adds depth and excitement to your cookie dough!

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Stir gently using a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is just combined and you don’t see any flour streaks. Be careful not to overmix; you want those Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies to remain tender and delightful!

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of finely chopped maraschino cherries and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough. Make sure they are evenly distributed for bursts of flavor in every bite. This delightful combination is what makes these cookies so appealing!

Step 7: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie for spreading. For an attractive touch, you can press extra cherries and chocolate chips on top of each dough ball. This will enhance the presentation of your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies once baked!

Step 8: Bake
Place the cookie sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. You’ll know the cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. Allowing them to remain slightly underbaked will result in that signature chewy texture everyone loves!

Step 9: Cool
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 15 minutes. This cooling time helps them set up perfectly without breaking apart. After they’ve cooled down, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their delightful chewiness and vibrant color.

What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Imagine a table filled with colorful delights that perfectly complement the cheerful flavor of these delightful cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla enhances the sweet cherry and chocolate flavors, providing a cooling counterpoint to your warm cookies.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries offer a light, refreshing contrast, adding a burst of natural sweetness to every bite.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip your cookies into a warm pool of melted chocolate for a decadent experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
Milk: A classic pair that balances the sweetness of the cookies and quenches your thirst, making it a nostalgic favorite.
Minted Lemonade: The zesty brightness of lemonade, infused with fresh mint, brings a delightful freshness that lifts the cookie’s flavors higher.
Cheesecake Bites: Light and creamy cheesecake bites introduce a tangy dimension, making each dessert moment uniquely divine.
Coffee or Espresso: Rich coffee adds depth, enhancing the chocolate notes while contrasting with the cookies’ sweetness, ideal for a cozy afternoon treat.
Peanut Butter Dip: This creamy, nutty dip pairs wonderfully with the cherry and chocolate, creating a delicious marriage of flavors.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These luxurious treats echo the cookie’s flavors and make for an elegant addition to your dessert spread.
Lemon Bars: Bright and tangy lemon bars provide a refreshing palate cleanser that perfectly balances the cookie’s rich sweetness.

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations

Feel free to add your own twist to these delightful cookies, letting your creativity shine through!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a delightful no-worry treat. Everyone can join in without sacrificing flavor!
Cherry Overload: Increase the maraschino cherries to 1.5 cups for a fruitier flavor explosion and a festive burst of color. It’s a cherry lover’s dream!
White Chocolate Bliss: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for creamy white chocolate. This change offers a luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cherries.
Spice It Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into your dough for that warm, cozy vibe; it enhances the overall flavor profile.
Festive Touch: Top the unbaked dough with colorful sprinkles or colored sugar before baking to create a cheerful and celebratory appearance!
Fruit Fusion: Experiment by adding small bites of dried fruits like cranberries or apricots along with the cherries for an eclectic fruity flavor mix.
Savory Twist: For a daring take, introduce a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking for a delightful sweet-savory surprise!

Explore these variations, and don’t forget to check out our scrumptious Lemon Pistachio Cookies or delightful Gluten Free Cookies for even more baking inspiration!

How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft chewiness and vibrant flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Bring them to room temperature before enjoying!

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their fresh-baked taste.

Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature to create a well-blended and airy cookie dough. Cold ingredients can lead to dense cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Gently mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Overmixing can create tough cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
Baking Time Matters: Keep a close eye on the baking time; underbake slightly for chewy cookies. Overbaking can dull the vibrant color and make them too hard.
Chop Cherries Well: Finely chop maraschino cherries for even distribution throughout the cookie dough, ensuring that every bite is infused with that sweet cherry flavor.
Chill if Needed: If your dough seems too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough and results in perfectly shaped cookies.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to personalize your Maraschino Cherry Cookies with nuts or different types of chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Make Ahead Options

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. To do this, simply mix the dough according to the instructions, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This technique helps maintain the quality, ensuring the cookies emerge just as delicious after baking. When you’re ready to bake, scoop out the chilled dough, shape them onto a parchment-covered baking sheet, and bake as directed. With this make-ahead option, you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests!

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select maraschino cherries for the cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that are bright red and glistening with syrup. Avoid any that have dark spots or seem faded, as this can indicate they’re past their prime. For the best flavor, choose cherries that are sweet and have been well-drained before chopping to prevent excess moisture in your cookie dough.

How should I store the Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
You can store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them extra fresh, line the container with parchment paper to absorb any moisture. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, bringing them to room temperature before serving for that freshly baked taste.

Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and baked cookies! For dough, scoop individual cookie portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until firm. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, freeze them in a container, layered with parchment, for the same duration. To bake frozen dough, just add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If your dough is sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This cooling time will help firm up the dough for easier handling. Additionally, if the dough remains too wet, gradually add a little more flour until the consistency feels right. Remember, you want your dough to be workable but not too dry.

Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
While these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious for humans, they are not suitable for pets, particularly dogs, due to the high sugar content and chocolate. Moreover, they contain gluten from all-purpose flour, and the cherries may pose an allergy risk for some individuals. For allergen-friendly baking, feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are free from common allergens.

Can I customize the flavor of my cookies?
The more the merrier! You can definitely customize these delightful cookies. Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate for a different taste. Add nuts for crunch or increase the maraschino cherries for extra sweetness and flavor. Some bakers also enjoy a hint of warmth, so consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist!