Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3/4 cup maraschino cherries drained well and chopped; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and bursting with pops of bright cherry flavor, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are anything but ordinary. Each bite delivers melty pools of chocolate paired with sweet, juicy maraschino cherries that add both color and a subtle fruity twist.

They’re the kind of cookie that turns heads on a dessert table. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, Valentine’s Day treats, or simply when you want to elevate your everyday chocolate chip cookie game, these beauties bring a bakery-style look with homemade comfort.

What Makes Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies So Special?

It’s all about contrast. The rich, semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the bright sweetness of maraschino cherries, while the buttery cookie dough ties everything together. The cherries add moisture, color, and a slight chew that makes these cookies stand out from classic chocolate chip versions.

Plus, they look stunning. Those vibrant red pieces peeking through golden dough make them instantly festive without extra decorating.

Ingredients for the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

All-Purpose Flour
Provides the structure for the cookies and ensures the perfect chewy texture.

Baking Soda
Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly while creating a soft interior.

Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances both the chocolate and cherry flavors.

Unsalted Butter
Adds richness and creates that classic buttery cookie base.

Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the dough and contributes to a lightly crisp edge.

Brown Sugar
Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for deeper flavor.

Eggs
Bind everything together and help create a soft, tender texture.

Vanilla Extract
Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.

Maraschino Cherries (drained and chopped)
Bring sweetness, moisture, and that signature bright red pop.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Deliver melty richness that pairs beautifully with the cherries.

How To Make the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Chop them into small pieces. Removing excess moisture prevents the dough from becoming too wet.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates the base for soft, bakery-style cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up while staying soft inside.

Serving and Storing Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm when the chocolate is still soft and gooey. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-worthy treat.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What to Serve With Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Vanilla Ice Cream

The creamy vanilla base complements the sweet cherry and rich chocolate perfectly.

Hot Fudge Sauce

A drizzle over warm cookies turns them into a decadent plated dessert.

Fresh Strawberries

Adds a fresh berry contrast that enhances the cherry flavor.

Whipped Cream

Light and airy, it balances the richness of the cookie.

Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

If you love the cherry-chocolate combo, you’ll adore this indulgent twist:
https://savorqueen.com/chocolate-cherry-cream-pie/

If you enjoyed these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you might also love exploring:

• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for a nostalgic classic:
https://savorqueen.com/jimmy-carters-grandmothers-peanut-butter-cookies/

• Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies for extra crunch:
https://savorqueen.com/rice-krispie-chocolate-chip-cookies/

• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for a creamy surprise center:
https://savorqueen.com/caramel-cheesecake-cookies/

• Moist and Chewy Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for a hearty option:
https://savorqueen.com/moist-and-chewy-banana-oatmeal-raisin-cookies/

• Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe for even more cherry goodness:
https://savorqueen.com/chocolate-cherry-cookies-recipe/

Each one brings its own personality to your cookie jar while keeping that homemade charm.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to bake another batch.

Did you add white chocolate chips? Maybe a splash of almond extract? I’d love to hear how you made them your own—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more sweet inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen over on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/mydelicioushomerecipes/

Your next favorite dessert might already be waiting there.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Get ready to bake a batch of cookies that look as incredible as they taste. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet cherry bursts and rich, melty chocolate in every bite. Perfect for a quick dessert, holiday baking, easy recipe ideas, or fun food ideas for parties, these cookies bring together classic chocolate chip comfort with a bright, fruity twist. Whether you are looking for easy dessert ideas or baking inspiration, this recipe delivers bakery-style results at home.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels, then chop into small pieces.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix just until combined.

7. Gently fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips.

8. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers look set.

10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Be sure to dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly before folding them into the dough. Excess moisture can cause the cookies to spread too much and become overly soft.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American