Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped and patted dry; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of my favorite sweet indulgences when I want something nostalgic, playful, and just the right amount of fancy. I grew up sneaking maraschino cherries from the fridge, and now I get to enjoy them in the best possible way—folded into soft, chewy cookies with gooey pockets of melted chocolate. The contrast between the rich chocolate and the bright cherry flavor is simply irresistible.

What makes these cookies stand out is the texture and flavor balance. They’re soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, full of melty chocolate and pops of candied cherry in every bite. They’re festive enough for the holidays, but I find myself baking them year-round whenever I want something fun and a little different from your standard chocolate chip cookie.

Why You’ll Love These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a dream come true for cherry and chocolate lovers alike. The sweetness of maraschino cherries pairs beautifully with semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and unique. They’re easy to make, loved by both kids and adults, and make a stunning addition to any cookie tray.

Plus, you don’t need to wait for cherry season—maraschino cherries are available year-round, so you can whip these up anytime. The vibrant red pops of cherry also make them a visual showstopper!

What Kind of Cherries Should I Use?

Stick with maraschino cherries for this recipe—those bright red, syrup-soaked cherries in the jar. They’re sweeter than fresh or frozen cherries and don’t add extra moisture that could make your cookie dough too wet. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry before mixing them in to avoid soggy cookies.

You could experiment with other preserved cherries, like Amarena or cocktail cherries, if you’re going for a more gourmet twist, but nothing beats the cheerful flavor of the classic maraschino for this treat.

Options for Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways to make these cookies your own:

Chocolate chips: Swap semi-sweet for dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste preference.
Cherries: If you don’t have maraschino cherries, try dried cherries for a more tart, chewy contrast.
Gluten-free: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them celiac-friendly.
Butter: Plant-based butter works beautifully here for a dairy-free version.
Nuts: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for a little crunch and a nod to black forest flavor.

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cookie dough and provides structure.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and stay soft in the center.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture, giving the cookies their tender texture.
Brown sugar – Contributes to the chewiness and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly while baking.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds to the soft texture.
Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor and complements the chocolate and cherries.
Maraschino cherries – Provide a sweet, fruity burst in every bite with their distinct flavor and vibrant color.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Offer a rich, melty contrast to the bright cherry flavor.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Drain the maraschino cherries and chop them into small pieces, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For prettier cookies, press a few extra cherry bits and chocolate chips on top of each dough ball.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This keeps them soft and chewy.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

How Long to Prepare the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

From start to finish, these cookies come together in about 30 minutes, making them ideal for a last-minute treat or a weekend baking session.

Prep Time: Prepping the ingredients—especially draining and chopping the maraschino cherries—takes around 10–15 minutes. Mixing the dough is quick and straightforward.

Baking Time: Each batch takes about 10–12 minutes in the oven. Depending on your oven size and how many trays you bake at once, you can be done baking in under 20 minutes total.

Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dry the cherries thoroughly. Too much moisture will make your dough soggy and affect how the cookies bake.
Use room temperature butter. It creams better with sugar and creates the perfect soft texture.
Chill the dough if it’s too soft. If your kitchen is warm or your dough seems sticky, pop it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before baking.
Don’t overbake. The cookies should still look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out—they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Add extra toppings. Press a few extra chocolate chips and cherry pieces on top of the dough balls for that bakery-style look.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using wet cherries: Always pat them dry to avoid greasy or mushy cookies.
Overmixing the dough: This can make the cookies tough.
Overcrowding the baking sheet: Leave space for the cookies to spread slightly without merging.
Incorrect measurements: Baking is precise—use measuring cups and level your ingredients.
Skipping the cooling process: Moving the cookies too early can cause them to break apart.

What to Serve With Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?

1. A Glass of Cold Milk

A classic combo that balances the sweetness and richness of the cookies.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich the cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cherry-chocolate ice cream sandwich.

3. Cherry Cola or Cream Soda

Play into the retro cherry flavor with a fun soda pairing.

4. Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of coffee pairs well with the sweet cherries and chocolate.

5. Chocolate Fondue

Dip half of a cookie into warm melted chocolate for an extra indulgent dessert.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container.

Refrigerator: Not recommended as it may dry them out.

Freezer (Dough): Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen—just add 2 minutes to baking time.

Freezer (Baked Cookies): Wrap individually in plastic and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Cookie (approximate values):

Calories: 165
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 90mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cherries from making the dough too wet?

Drain and pat them completely dry before adding to the dough. You can also chop them first, then pat dry.

Can I use fresh cherries instead?

Fresh cherries contain more moisture and may not yield the same result. Stick with maraschino for best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze. You can bake them straight from frozen with a slightly longer bake time.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chips offer the best balance with the sweetness of the cherries, but dark or white chocolate are also delicious.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your other ingredients for gluten content.

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you want in a fun, fruity twist on a classic treat. They’re quick to make, bursting with cherry-chocolate flavor, and look as good as they taste. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday tray, or just a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies are bound to bring smiles all around.