Dessert

Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes

BySophie Lane July 29, 2025

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Introduction

There’s something magical about biting into a cookie that balances sweet, tart, and chocolatey flavors in every bite. If you love classic chocolate chip cookies but crave a fun twist, this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. These cookies deliver a burst of cherry goodness alongside rich chocolate chips, creating a treat that’s as nostalgic as it is irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to snag one.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe combines the best of both worlds—chewy, buttery cookie dough studded with vibrant maraschino cherries and melty chocolate chips. What makes these cookies special is their playful contrast of flavors and textures. The cherries add a tangy sweetness, while the chocolate chips bring depth and richness. This recipe stands out because it takes a familiar favorite and elevates it with a pop of color and flavor. If you enjoy unique twists on classic desserts, you’ll also love our Red Velvet Cookies or our White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies align perfectly with our blog’s mission to share easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that spark joy in the kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I fell in love with this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because it reminds me of childhood bake sales and holiday cookie swaps. The bright red cherries nestled in the dough always make me smile, and the combination of flavors feels like a celebration in every bite. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, so I can satisfy my sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether I’m sharing them with friends or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these cookies never fail to bring a little extra happiness to my day.

Health and Nutrition

Why it’s good for your body

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe packs a surprising nutritional punch while satisfying your sweet tooth. Although they’re a treat, the cherries provide antioxidants, which help combat inflammation. Because maraschino cherries contain small amounts of vitamin C, they support immune health even though they’re preserved. The chocolate chips add flavonoids, so you get heart-healthy benefits while indulging.

Although moderation is key, Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe offers a fun way to enjoy dessert without completely derailing your health goals. The cherries add natural sweetness, so you may reduce added sugar in the recipe. While chocolate chips contribute to the calorie count, they also provide magnesium, which supports muscle function. Because these cookies combine fruit and dark chocolate, they deliver more nutrients than standard cookies.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe also brings joy, which matters for mental well-being. Even though they’re not a superfood, the balance of flavors and textures makes them a smarter choice than many store-bought desserts. Because homemade versions let you control ingredients, you can tweak the recipe for added health benefits.

How it fits in a healthy lifestyle

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fits into a balanced diet when enjoyed mindfully. Pair them with protein-rich snacks like Greek yogurt parfait to balance blood sugar. Although they’re a dessert, the cherries add fiber, which helps with satiety.

For specific dietary goals, try gluten-free flour or sugar alternatives. Because the recipe is versatile, you can adapt it to meet needs like lower-carb or dairy-free lifestyles. Explore our healthy ingredient swaps guide for more ideas. Although treats should be occasional, these cookies make indulgence feel intentional rather than impulsive.

In everyday eating, portion control keeps Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe aligned with wellness. Freeze dough for single-serving batches, so you avoid overeating. Because they’re homemade, you skip artificial additives found in commercial products. While not an everyday food, they prove that healthier desserts can still delight your taste buds.

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Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Soft and chewy cookies with bursts of maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips.

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.

• Author: Olivia Bennett

s-dish">How to Prepare This Dish

Steps and time-saving tips

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, but avoid overmixing—just stir until the dough comes together. Now, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped Maraschino cherries. For even baking, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into uniform balls. Pro tip: Chill the dough for 15 minutes to prevent spreading, though you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Finally, bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers stay soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For extra flair, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Mistakes I’ve made and learned from

When I first tried this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, I made two big mistakes. First, I didn’t drain the cherries well enough, which made the dough too sticky and caused the cookies to spread unevenly. Now, I pat them dry with paper towels and even let them air-dry for 10 minutes. Second, I overbaked the cookies because I feared undercooked centers—turns out, they firm up as they cool! If you’ve struggled with cookie texture, my guide on perfecting chewy cookies has more troubleshooting tips. Also, if you love fruity desserts, try my cherry almond bars for another easy treat. Trust me, learning from these mishaps will save you time and frustration!

n-and-variations">Cultural Connection and Variations

Where this recipe comes from

The Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, blending nostalgia with a pop of vibrant flavor. While chocolate chip cookies have deep roots in American baking culture, the addition of maraschino cherries adds a playful, retro touch that harks back to mid-20th-century desserts. These cherries, originally preserved in marasca cherry liqueur from Italy, became a staple in American pantries after being popularized in cocktails and baked goods.

In some families, the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a cherished holiday tradition, often appearing during Christmas or Valentine’s Day for their festive red hue. Others associate them with summer picnics or bake sales, where their chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor stand out. While the recipe is distinctly American, similar fruit-studded cookies exist worldwide. For example, Italian biscotti often feature dried cherries, and German bakers might fold kirsch-soaked cherries into their dough for a boozy kick.

What makes this recipe special is its adaptability. Some bakers swap dark chocolate for white to let the cherries shine, while others add almond extract to echo the cherries’ natural flavor. Whether you grew up with this treat or discovered it later, the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe feels like a sweet nod to both tradition and creativity.

Today, the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe holds its own as a versatile favorite. It’s a go-to for holidays, especially when bakers want a colorful alternative to standard cookies. During Valentine’s Day, the red cherries make them a natural fit, while Christmas trays benefit from their cheerful appearance. Even outside celebrations, they’re a fun way to jazz up everyday baking routines.

Modern twists keep the recipe fresh. Health-conscious cooks might use healthier ingredient swaps, like coconut sugar or gluten-free flour, without sacrificing flavor. Others experiment with boozy updates, soaking cherries in bourbon or rum for an adult twist. The cookies also pair beautifully with dessert pairings, like vanilla ice cream or a sharp espresso.

What hasn’t changed is their crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re baking them for a party or just because, the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe bridges generations—proving that some flavors never go out of style.

>Taste and Texture

What makes it delicious

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that make every bite irresistible. The cookies boast a tender, chewy center with crisp edges, creating the perfect balance. Sweet maraschino cherries burst with juicy brightness, while rich chocolate chips melt into creamy pools of decadence. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft, fruity cherries and the slightly crunchy chocolate. The dough itself is fragrant with vanilla and butter, adding a warm, comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake. Because the cherries are folded in gently, they retain their vibrant color and tangy sweetness, which cuts through the richness of the chocolate. Even though the cookies are packed with flavor, they remain light and airy, making it easy to enjoy more than one. Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a treat that satisfies both fruit and chocolate lovers, so every bite feels like a celebration.

Boosting the flavor

If you want to elevate your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, try swapping dark chocolate chips for a deeper, more intense cocoa flavor. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. For a nutty crunch, fold in chopped almonds or pecans, which pair beautifully with the cherries. A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract enhances the dough with warm, aromatic notes. If you love bold flavors, consider adding a swirl of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a playful twist. Another great idea is to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with these enhancements, Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe will always deliver a memorable treat.

Tips for Success

Best practices for results

For the best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and ensures a chewy texture. Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat because it promotes even browning and easy cleanup. Chop the maraschino cherries into small, even pieces so they distribute evenly without weighing down the dough. Finally, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, as too much flour can make the cookies dry.

Mistakes to avoid

Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies. Instead, mix just until the flour disappears. Another common mistake is using wet cherries straight from the jar without patting them dry. Excess moisture can alter the dough’s consistency, so gently blot them with a paper towel first. For more tips on handling sticky dough, check out our guide on perfect cookie dough consistency. Additionally, don’t skip the salt in the recipe—it balances the sweetness of the cherries and chocolate. If you’re unsure about ingredient substitutions, our baking ingredient swaps article can help you make smart choices.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

How to serve this dish

For a delightful presentation, arrange your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe on a vintage platter or a rustic wooden board. The vibrant red cherries peeking through the dough create a festive look, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or birthday parties. Alternatively, stack them in a clear glass jar for a charming, casual display at brunches or afternoon tea. To elevate the visual appeal, dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted white chocolate. Whether you serve them warm with a gooey center or at room temperature, these cookies always steal the show.