Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (Butter makes the cookies rich and chewy.); 3/4 cup sugar (Contributes to the golden, crispy exterior.); 1 piece egg (Binds everything together for a soft texture.); 1 tsp vanilla extract (Adds depth to the overall taste.); 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (Brings sweetness and moisture.); 2 cups all-purpose flour (Gives structure to the cookies.); 1/2 tsp baking soda (Essential for light texture.); 1/4 tsp salt (Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.); 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (Provides flavor and color.); 1 cup chocolate chips (Semi-sweet chocolate pairs perfectly.)

Posted on November 17, 2025

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies on a plate

Dessert Recipes

High-calorie fast food meal consisting of burger, fries, soda, and a sad face emoticon.

Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking cookies is one of those pure, little joys that feels like a warm hug. Honestly, I can barely remember a summer (or any season, really) without my mom slaving over her famous chocolate chip cookies. But hold up! These aren’t just any chocolate chip cookies; we’re talking about delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies that take you on a whimsical journey back to memories of Grandma’s kitchen. Picture it: sun streaming through the window, the rhythmic sound of mixing and baking, and the unmistakable aroma of sweet cherries and chocolate wafting through the air. This recipe means the world to me—it’s all about comfort, nostalgia, and baking with heart.

You know those moments when you just want to escape into your kitchen and get lost in a whirlwind of flour and sugar? For me, this was born out of a failed attempt to recreate my childhood favorites. I tried once, and oops! It turned into a sticky disaster. But with some persistence (and a little yum), I finally nailed it! Now, these cookies aren’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; they’re laced with memories of laughter, dough flying everywhere, and a sprinkle of chaos.

The best part? Making these cookies is pretty easy, even if you’re a novice baker who burns toast regularly. I dare say, each cookie embodies a bit of whimsy and cheer—a little dent in the otherwise mundane day-to-day routine. So, let’s get comfy in the kitchen and whip up a batch (or two, because honestly, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “cherry chocolate chip”).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whimsical Flavor: Maraschino cherries give the cookies a burst of sweetness, making each bite a surprise and delight. It’s like a party in your mouth where chocolate and cherries are dancing the night away!
Super Easy to Make: If you’re looking for quick family meals that don’t require fancy culinary skills, this is your new best friend. You just cream, mix, fold, and bake—no chef hat required.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Cookies are a great option for your weekly meal prep. Pack them in your kids’ lunches or save some for midnight snacks. Each cookie feels like a little hug.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Great for a weekend project with the littles! They’ll love mixing the ingredients and, of course, eating the cookie dough (who doesn’t?).
They Feel Like a Hug: Seriously, the deliciousness and warmth from these cookies can brighten any day, making them a top choice for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends.
Long Lasting: Thanks to the moisture from the maraschino cherries, these cookies stay soft for days (if they last that long in your house!). You can even keep them for a last-minute sweet craving.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Oh, where do I even begin? The fusion of maraschino cherry juice with chocolate chips is like a dreamy melody—sweet meets rich, and I’m here for it. The unique cherry flavor brings an unexpected twist to traditional chocolate chip cookies, instantly elevating them.

And let’s not forget how cool it is to use cherry juice in a cookie recipe. It makes the dough soft and gives it a fun pinkish hue. Plus, the added boost of flavor means less need for extravagance in your other ingredients. Simplicity meets creativity! Each bite transports you back to summer picnics, family gatherings, and those lazy Sunday afternoons spent baking with loved ones.

Ingredients

To whip up a stellar batch of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The butter makes our cookies rich and chewy, giving that melt-in-your-mouth experience!
3/4 cup sugar: Because what’s a cookie without a touch of sweetness? The sugar also contributes to that golden, crispy exterior.
1 egg: Just one! This beauty binds everything together, creating a soft, tender texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: This little splash of flavor will elevate everything, adding depth to the overall taste.
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice: Ah, here’s where the magic happens! The juice brings sweetness, flavor, and moisture. Plus, it’s a delightful surprise mixed in with the chocolate.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Our trusty base that gives structure to the cookies.
1/2 tsp baking soda: This helper is essential for that light texture—nobody wants a cake-brick situation here.
1/4 tsp salt: It may seem small, but salt enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries: Not only for flavor but also for that delightful pop of color! These cherry bits provide a fun texture that sets these cookies apart.
1 cup chocolate chips: The icing on the cake (or cookie)! I usually prefer semi-sweet chocolate because it pairs perfectly with the other sweet ingredients.

Tips and Warnings:

Don’t overdo it with flour! Measuring probably isn’t your favorite activity, but those scoops can vary widely. Use the spoon and level method to prevent dense cookies.
Opt for high-quality vanilla. Trust me; it makes all the difference. Don’t cheap out!
Don’t skip the salt. It might feel unnecessary in a sweet treat, but just a sprinkle helps intensify those flavors.
Experiment with chocolate: Feeling adventurous? Try dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor or even substitute half with white chocolate chips for a sweeter profile.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). There’s nothing like the smell of cookies wafting through the house, so let’s get started!

Step 2: Grab a large bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until you achieve a smooth, fluffy texture. Seriously, this is my favorite part; you can’t go wrong with butter and sugar. It’s pure bliss!

Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, followed by the maraschino cherry juice. Honestly, that colorful syrup mixed in adds a beautiful hue to the butter and sugar mixture. I get happy just thinking about it—it’s like edible joy!

Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Don’t skip this step; it avoids flour clumps later on. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. You want it combined but be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Now, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. You’ll want to see those cherries evenly dispersed throughout the dough. Don’t go too wild—it’s tempting to gobble up the chocolate chunks, but you gotta save some for the cookies. I failed at this several times!

Step 6: Using a spoon (or cookie scoop, if you’re fancy), drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them some space to spread out. No one likes a cookie hug that turns into a full-on body slam!

Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them because ovens are sneaky. Remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Step 8: Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step is important if you want to avoid a crumbly cookie disaster! It’s worth the wait, trust me.

Tips for Best Results

If you want an extra chewy texture, try chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. It makes a big difference!
Check for doneness frequently; if the edges are golden, get them out! Nobody likes dried-out cookies.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for a warm depth when you want to switch it up.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Don’t be afraid to play around with flavors! Here are some options to consider:

Gluten-free flour: Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. Just make sure to check the package for the right ratios!
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make it dairy-free. Deliciousness shouldn’t be reserved for those who can eat dairy!
Fruity Goodness: Besides cherries, feel free to toss in some other fruits like dried cranberries or diced strawberries. But be warned; it might lead to unexpected twists.
Nutty Variety: Like walnuts or pecans? Go ahead and toss some in! Just balance the amount of chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are delightful on their own, but let’s amp it up! Pair them with a glass of cold milk (almond milk is fabulous, too) for that classic combination. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, dunk them in white chocolate for a gourmet touch—your inner baker will thank you!

Another fun idea? Enjoy these cookies alongside a cozy rom-com on the couch. Grab your favorite fluffy blanket, cozy up, and indulge in a delicious piece of comfort. Seriously, it’s pure magic!

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Alright, let’s be real—we all love freshly baked cookies, but life happens! To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy this way (honestly, who wants hard cookies?).

If you ever NEED to reheat, pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The results? Warm, gooey chocolate chips that make you think you just baked them again.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Did you know you can make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can! Simply prepare the dough, scoop it into balls, and freeze them on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When the craving hits (and it will), pull them out and bake straight from the freezer! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough: This leads to dense cookies, and nobody wants that. Mix just until combined.
Not Chilling the Dough: If you’re short on time, you can skip chilling. However, chilling helps flavors meld and avoids flat cookies.
Not Measuring Ingredients: Too much flour? Expect your cookies to bake up dry. Invest in a kitchen scale, or use the spoon-and-level method to ensure portions are correct.
Opening the Oven Too Soon: Let them bake! Opening the oven door too early can mess with the temperature and affect your cookies’ rise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week!

Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Totally! But just know margarine can change the texture slightly.

Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s not required, but if you have the time, it helps with texture and flavor.

Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Absolutely! They freeze fabulously. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’re good to go!

What can I pair with these cookies for a dessert buffet?
How about a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an upscale treat. You can’t go wrong!

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Cooling rack

Final Thoughts

Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies has been a delightful journey for me. Every batch tells a story and each bite is filled with laughter and nostalgia. These cookies remind me of home and family, and I hope they bring you as much joy as they’ve given me over the years.

So, roll up those sleeves and get ready to create some delicious memories! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy baking!