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There’s something undeniably nostalgic and heartwarming about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies take a beloved classic and give it a delightful twist. By combining the rich, indulgent flavors of semi-sweet chocolate with the sweet, fruity burst of maraschino cherries, this recipe creates a unique cookie that’s perfect for any occasion—from holiday baking to a simple afternoon treat.

Soft on the inside with slightly crisp edges, each bite of these cookies delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cherries add moisture and a subtle tartness that contrasts beautifully with the deep, smooth notes of chocolate, while the sprinkle of flaked salt on top ties everything together with a hint of sophistication. These cookies are just as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’ll impress both casual snackers and seasoned dessert lovers alike. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your cookie repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination – The blend of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips creates a deliciously unexpected twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies.
Soft and Chewy Texture – Thanks to the perfect balance of sugar, butter, and eggs, these cookies are chewy in the center with crisp edges.
Beautiful Presentation – The cherries add a pop of color, making these cookies as visually appealing as they are tasty.
Easy to Make – With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is great for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for Celebrations – Their vibrant appearance and gourmet taste make them ideal for holidays, parties, or gifting.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Kosher salt
Salted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Sugar
Egg
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Maraschino cherries, patted dry and chopped
Flaked salt (for topping)

Variations

White Chocolate Swap: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate for a creamier, sweeter taste.
Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Cherry Extract Boost: Add a drop of cherry extract for an extra punch of cherry flavor.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense chocolate flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the egg, then the egg yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaked salt.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

Step 9: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry the Cherries: Thoroughly pat the maraschino cherries dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Don’t Overbake: For chewy centers, take the cookies out when they still look slightly underdone in the middle.
Use Room Temp Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and melt.

How to Serve

These cookies are delightful when served warm, straight from the oven, with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They’re also perfect on a holiday cookie platter, as a sweet ending to a dinner party, or packaged in gift bags for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

It’s best to use maraschino cherries for their texture and sweetness; fresh cherries may release too much moisture.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

3. Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional but recommended for thicker, chewier cookies.

4. Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, but increase the salt slightly to balance the flavor.

5. Are these cookies very sweet?

They are sweet, but the flaked salt helps balance the flavors nicely.

6. Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Yes, but the chocolate pairs well with the cherries and adds richness.

7. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading.

8. Can I make these vegan?

You can try using plant-based butter and egg substitutes, but results may vary.

9. What’s the best way to chop the cherries?

Use a sharp knife and paper towels to ensure they’re dry before adding to the dough.

10. Why add an extra egg yolk?

The extra yolk adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a playful and indulgent twist on the traditional cookie recipe. With the sweet charm of cherries and the irresistible allure of chocolate, these cookies are sure to become a standout favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers every time. Try them once, and they’ll earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.