Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a warm, nostalgic treat that blends buttery cookie dough, rich chocolate chips, and jewel-bright maraschino cherries in every bite. Soft in the center and lightly crisp at the edges, they deliver a balanced contrast of sweetness, aroma, and texture. Made with pantry staples like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, chocolate chips, and chopped cherries, these cookies are ideal for weekend baking, family gatherings, holiday trays, or cozy evenings when comfort baking feels just right.
Servings – Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Servings: 18–22 cookies
Time Required for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Main Ingredients
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225 g unsalted butter, softened
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180 g brown sugar
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80 g granulated sugar
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2 large eggs (approx. 100 g), room temperature
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2 tsp vanilla extract (10 ml)
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360 g all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda (5 g)
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½ tsp fine salt (3 g)
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200 g semi-sweet chocolate chips
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150 g maraschino cherries, well drained and finely chopped
Optional Flavor Enhancers
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½ tsp almond extract (2.5 ml)
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30 g chopped dark chocolate chunks
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the flavor base
Begin by creaming the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars in a large bowl. Beat for 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, smooth, and lightly fluffy. This step builds the foundational aroma and texture of the cookies.
Step 2: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then blend in the vanilla extract. Meanwhile, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing and a cohesive batter.
Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step distributes the leavening evenly, which is essential for consistent baking and structure.
Step 4: Build the dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix gently just until combined. However, avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense cookies rather than tender ones.
Step 5: Add chocolate and cherries
Then fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. The cherries should be well drained and lightly patted dry to prevent excess moisture. In addition, this step ensures vibrant color and balanced sweetness throughout the dough.
Step 6: Portion and rest
Scoop the dough into evenly sized portions (about 40 g each) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Next, chill the dough for 20 minutes if time allows—this helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
Step 7: Bake and finish
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft. Finally, allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to set fully.
Variations of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Extra Chocolate Version
Moreover, replace half of the chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for deeper cocoa intensity.
2. Nut-Enhanced Version
In addition, add 80 g chopped pecans or walnuts for a toasted, nutty contrast that complements the cherries beautifully.
3. White Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a sweeter, creamier profile.
4. Holiday Spiced Version
Furthermore, add ¼ tsp cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to give the cookies a festive warmth during colder months.
5. Bakery-Style Thick Cookies
Chill the dough for 1 hour and bake slightly larger portions to achieve thick, soft-centered cookies with crisp edges.
Tips for Perfect Results – Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Control moisture carefully
Always drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Excess liquid can affect dough consistency and baking results.
2. Use room-temperature ingredients
Butter and eggs at room temperature emulsify better, producing a smoother dough and more even texture.
3. Do not overbake
Remove the cookies when the centers still look slightly underdone. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a soft interior.
4. Enhance aroma naturally
Additionally, a small amount of almond extract intensifies the cherry flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
5. Storage and freezing
Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Meanwhile, unbaked dough balls freeze well for up to 2 months—bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a refined twist on a classic favorite, combining nostalgic flavors with professional baking technique. Whether served warm with milk, shared during celebrations, or prepared ahead for easy baking, this recipe delivers consistent, bakery-quality results every time.
