Name: Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies You'll Crave Daily
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 43 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (Can use 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.); 2 tsp cornstarch (Softens the cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.); 1 tsp baking soda (Helps cookies rise.); 0.25 tsp salt (Balances sweetness.); 1 cup unsalted butter (Must be at room temperature.); 1.25 cups light brown sugar (Adds caramel notes.); 0.25 cup granulated sugar (Extra sweetness.); 2 large eggs (Can use flax eggs for vegan option.); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 0.125 tsp almond extract (Can be omitted for nut-free.); pink gel food coloring (Optional.); 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (Brings rich chocolate flavor.); 1 cup maraschino cherries (Drained and finely chopped.)

You know that moment when you take a bite of a cookie and it transports you back to simpler, joyful times? That’s exactly what happens with these Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Combining the sweetness of chocolate chips with the fruity zing of maraschino cherries, these cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Not only are they surprisingly easy to whip up in just 40 minutes, but they also make for an excellent crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in. Plus, with simple options to adapt them for gluten-free and vegan diets, they’re a treat everyone can enjoy! Curious to see how your kitchen can be filled with cheer and deliciousness? Let’s get started!

Why Will You Crave These Cookies?

Irresistible Fusion: The combination of chocolate chips and maraschino cherries creates a unique flavor explosion that you won’t find in standard cookies.

Quick and Easy: With only 40 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have fresh-baked cookies in no time, making it perfect for unexpected guests.

Customizable: Adapt the recipe easily for gluten-free or vegan diets, so everyone can dive into these sweet delights.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family.

Crowd-Pleaser: Their delightful texture and burst of sweetness are bound to leave everyone craving more; they match beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough
All-purpose flour (3 cups / 360g) – This is the foundation for that perfect chewy texture; opt for a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
Cornstarch (2 tsp) – It softens the cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Baking soda (1 tsp) – Helps your cookies rise beautifully, making them perfectly fluffy.
Salt (¼ tsp) – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g) – Brings richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Light brown sugar (1¼ cups / 267g) – Adds caramel notes, creating depth in flavor.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup / 50g) – This extra sweetness complements the brown sugar.
Large eggs (2) – They bind the ingredients together, ensuring chewy consistency; consider flax eggs for a vegan option.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Infuses a warm depth of flavor into the cookies.
Almond extract (⅛ tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor profile; can be omitted for nut-free variations.
Pink gel food coloring – Optional, for a cheerful pop of color.
For the Add-ins
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups / 12 oz bag) – These bring a rich chocolate flavor that pairs delightfully with cherries.
Maraschino cherries (1 cup, drained and finely chopped) – They provide fruity bursts of sweetness that will make you crave these cookies daily!

These delightful Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies ingredients come together to create a treat that is not only quick and easy but absolutely unforgettable!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Crave Daily

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for it to warm up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior on your Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Ensuring an even distribution of the dry ingredients helps create a uniform texture in your cookie dough. Once combined, set this mixture aside to keep it ready for the next steps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1¼ cups of light brown sugar and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly for 2 minutes. The result should be a creamy texture that makes your cookies rich and delicious. This step is essential in creating the irresistible creaminess of your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon of almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat these ingredients together until they are just combined, helping to create a decadent base for your cookie dough. The combined flavors set the stage for those delightful bursts of cherry and chocolate in each cookie.

Step 5: Color the Dough
For a touch of whimsy, add a small amount of pink gel food coloring to your dough mixture. Stir until you achieve the desired shade, ensuring every bite of your Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies has that cheerful pop of color. This optional step is perfect for adding a fun touch to your baking.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mix into your wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will affect the softness of your cookies. When the dough begins to come together, you’ll have a delightful base ready for the luscious add-ins.

Step 7: Fold in Add-ins
Now it’s time to make these cookies truly special! Gently fold in 1 cup of finely chopped maraschino cherries and 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough. This will unleash bursts of sweetness and rich chocolate throughout your cookies, making them utterly irresistible.

Step 8: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into golf ball-sized balls, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. This resting period lets them firm up, making transferring them easier. After cooling, move the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling completely, ensuring each bite of your Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is a soft, chewy delight.

Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations

Feel free to make these delightful cookies your own with these fun and easy twists that will tickle your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for delicious results everyone can enjoy.
Vegan: Use coconut oil in place of butter and flax eggs to create a plant-based version without compromising flavor.
Extra Zest: Add a tablespoon of grated orange zest for a refreshing burst of citrus that beautifully complements the cherries.
Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of the cookies.
Minty Fresh: Incorporate a splash of peppermint extract for a cool twist that brings a refreshing spin to your sweet treats.
Spicy Surprise: For those who dare, a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a surprising kick to your cookies, elevating the sweet and savory balance.
Dried Fruit Variation: If you’re looking to change things up, substitute maraschino cherries with dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy and fruity alternative.

Take your homemade cookies to a new level and discover your personal favorite version! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out other delightful sweet treats like these Marshmallow Swirl Cookies or our scrumptious Zebra Cookies Discover. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare your dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness and avoid drying out. If you want to prep even further, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet (no need to thaw) and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have delicious, freshly baked cookies ready in no time, making busy weeknights a breeze!

How to Store and Freeze Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. This keeps your irresistible maraschino cherry cookies soft and chewy.

Fridge: If you prefer, these cookies can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Just ensure they’re tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: Freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Form dough balls, place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, simply bake frozen dough directly from the freezer for an additional few minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

What to Serve with Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Imagine a table brimming with delightful pairings that elevate your cookie experience to new heights.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a cool, smooth contrast to the chewy cookies, enhancing their sweetness. There’s just something magical about that warm cookie and cold ice cream combination!
Fresh Berry Medley: A colorful mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing tartness, balancing the cookies’ rich flavors. This vibrant side provides a delightful textural contrast while keeping your dessert light and vibrant.
Rich Hot Chocolate: Serve these cookies alongside a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience. The cocoa pairs perfectly, merging beautifully with the chocolate chips and cherries in each bite.
Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee or espresso highlights the sweetness of the cookies while providing a rich, robust flavor. Tasting the cookies alongside the warm beverage creates a comforting experience that feels like a treat.
Chocolate Fondue: Dunking half of the cookie into warm chocolate fondue adds an indulgent touch that will satisfy any sweet tooth. This combination brings out the chocolate in the cookies while introducing a fun interactive element.
Milkshake: Blend your favorite ice cream with milk for a decadent milkshake that harmonizes wonderfully with the flavor of maraschino cherries, creating a nostalgic milkshake experience.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Brighten your dessert table with a pitcher of homemade lemonade or iced tea. The citrusy notes of lemonade or the refreshing flavors of tea create a nice counterbalance to the cookies’ sweetness.

These delectable pairings turn your cookie enjoyment into a delightful feast that your loved ones will rave about!

Tips for the Best Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes not only enhances flavors but also aids in achieving a better texture.
Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. If you’re short on time, gently microwave it for 10 seconds to soften without melting.
Mind the Bake Time: To maintain that chewy texture, keep a close eye on your cookies. They should look slightly underbaked when pulled from the oven around the 10-minute mark.
Folding Technique: Gently fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips to avoid breaking them apart and ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
Flavor Variations: For a new twist on these irresistible maraschino cherry cookies, try adding a tablespoon of orange zest for brightness or opt for dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.

Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use?
I recommend using maraschino cherries for their sweet flavor and beautiful color. Make sure to drain and finely chop them to distribute their sweetness evenly throughout the cookies.

How should I store these cookies?
Store your irresistible maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Just make sure they are well-sealed to maintain their softness.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze your dough, first, scoop the cookie balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to bake, simply place them directly in the oven for a few extra minutes.

What if my cookies come out too dry or crumbly?
If your cookies turn out dry, it might be due to overmixing or baking them too long. Make sure to mix just until combined and keep an eye on them in the oven. They should come out looking slightly underbaked at around the 10-minute mark for that chewy texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free or vegan?
Yes! For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. To make them vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg, let sit until gelatinous). You’ll still enjoy all the deliciousness of these irresistible maraschino cherry cookies!