Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Bright, sweet, and loaded with nostalgia, Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are like a love letter to your inner child. These cookies combine ruby-red maraschino cherries with melty pockets of semi-sweet chocolate in a soft, buttery dough. They’re the kind of treat that turns heads at bake sales and gets devoured straight off the cooling rack.

The chewy texture, cherry-kissed aroma, and chocolate-studded bites make these cookies perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want to add a pop of pink to the cookie tray. Simple to whip up but impossible to forget, this recipe is a sweet twist on a classic chocolate chip cookie.

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What Kind of Cherries Work Best in These Cookies?

Maraschino cherries are essential here—the kind packed in syrup and found in the baking or cocktail aisle. Their syrupy sweetness and vibrant color bring both flavor and visual flair. Be sure to drain and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid adding extra moisture to the dough.

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Ingredients for the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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How To Make the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create the cookie’s soft and chewy texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Flavorings

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill and Preheat

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.

Step 7: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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How to Serve and Store These Cherry-Studded Cookies

Serve these cookies with a tall glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. Their festive pink hue also makes them a fun addition to dessert platters or as edible gifts in mason jars. To store, place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead?

Fresh cherries have too much moisture for this dough and may affect the texture. Stick with maraschino cherries for best results.

Are almond extract and vanilla both necessary?

Yes, they work together to enhance the cherry flavor and round out the cookie’s sweetness. You can omit almond extract if there’s an allergy concern.

Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and improves their flavor. Don’t skip it!

What if I want more chocolate?

You can increase the chocolate chips to 1 cup or mix in white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Do these cookies work with gluten-free flour?

Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and make sure other ingredients are gluten-free.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies tickled your sweet tooth, try these delicious variations next:

• Lemon Churro Cookies for tangy citrus with warm spice.
• Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies to double up on cherry goodness.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars if you love a rich, layered dessert.
• 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies for a wholesome, easy morning bite.
• Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for a no-bake crunchy-sweet fix.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can revisit it any time.

And if you bake a batch, I want to hear about it! Did you use extra cherries? Try a different chocolate? Share your tweaks in the comments below.

I love seeing your creations and helping you make them even better. For more sweet inspiration, follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

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