If you have a sweet tooth craving something uniquely delightful, look no further than this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate chunks and bursts of juicy maraschino cherry, creating a flavor combination that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. With their soft centers, slightly crisp edges, and just the right touch of flakey sea salt, these cookies are an absolute joy to bake and share. Once you make them, they’re sure to become one of your favorite go-to treats for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward cookie perfection. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing together the texture, flavor, and color that make these cookies special yet simple to bake.
- ¾ cup butter, softened: This provides the rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and moist; you can use dairy-free if preferred.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Brings a deeper, caramel-like flavor and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough together and adds a subtle richness.
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors for a warm, inviting aroma.
- ¾ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- ¾ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly with a tender crumb.
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the dough.
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, pitted and chopped small: These add bursts of juicy, sweet-tart flavor and a lovely pop of color in every bite.
- ¾ cup chopped dark or semisweet chocolate: For decadent chocolatey pockets throughout the cookie.
- Flakey sea salt, for sprinkling: A finishing touch that heightens the sweet and chocolate flavors beautifully.
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready upfront makes the baking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Prep the Maraschino Cherries
Remove stems if any remain, then pat the cherries dry carefully to get rid of excess liquid. Chop them into small pieces and pat dry once more. The drying step is key to prevent soggy cookies and ensures the cherries maintain their vibrant chewiness.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This step incorporates air for that desirable tender texture in the final cookie.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix here, which could toughen the dough. This addition enriches the batter and infuses it with warmth and sweetness.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-Ins
Sift together salt, baking soda, and flour, then gradually add them to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Fold in chopped chocolate and maraschino cherries, stirring gently so everything is evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Arrange on Baking Sheets
Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to portion 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, spacing them 3 to 4 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For an extra chocolate boost, sprinkle a few more chocolate pieces on top of each dough ball before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake one sheet at a time for 8-11 minutes, removing them when the edges are set but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked. This ensures a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with just the right amount of softness.
Step 8: Finish and Cool
Once out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flakey sea salt on each warm cookie. Let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they can firm up without losing that tender texture, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step is the secret to perfection!
How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra flakey sea salt just before serving brings an irresistible sweet and salty contrast. You could also dust with a light covering of powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist that highlights their fruity-chocolate goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange them on a festive platter with fresh cherries or chocolate shards for parties and gatherings. Try sandwiching two cookies around a scoop of cherry or chocolate ice cream for an impressive dessert. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes for charming, edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This will maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor, perfect for snacking any time.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully either baked or as cookie dough balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. When ready, bake or thaw as needed.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries don’t have the same sweetness and vibrant flavor concentration that maraschino cherries provide, so they won’t replicate the unique taste or color in this recipe. If you prefer fresh, consider reducing added sugar and slightly adjusting baking time.
Are these cookies suitable for dairy-free diets?
Absolutely! Using dairy-free butter alternatives makes this a friendly option for dairy-free or vegan diets while still ensuring the cookies stay moist and flavorful.
What kind of chocolate works best for this recipe?
Chopped dark or semisweet chocolate offers a rich, slightly bittersweet balance to the sweet cherries. Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate for a creamier sweetness or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerating the dough for 24 to 48 hours before baking intensifies the flavors and improves texture. Just be sure to bring dough balls to room temperature before baking for best results.
Why do I sprinkle sea salt on top of the cookies?
The flakey sea salt heightens the flavor contrasts, enhancing the chocolate and cherry notes while balancing the sweetness. It also adds a delightful crunchy texture to every bite.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe—it’s a brilliant way to put a fun, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Baking these cookies will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and offer bites packed with joy and nostalgia. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, grab those cherries and chocolate, and treat yourself to this delicious adventure!
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-11 minutes
- Total Time: 18-21 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, a perfect blend of sweet, tart maraschino cherries and rich dark chocolate in a buttery cookie base. Soft, slightly chewy, and topped with flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness, these cookies are a unique treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup butter, softened (dairy free or regular)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- 2 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, pitted and chopped small
- ¾ cup chopped dark or semisweet chocolate
Topping
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Prepare Cherries: Remove stems from maraschino cherries and thoroughly pat dry to remove excess liquid. Chop into small pieces and pat dry again to prevent sogginess in the cookie dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a standing mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Stir in the chopped dark or semisweet chocolate and the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed.
- Scoop Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons each and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 3-4 inches apart. Optional: press a few extra chocolate pieces on top for added texture and appearance.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 8-11 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers still appear slightly under-baked. This will result in a chewy, soft cookie.
- Cool and Salt: Remove the cookies from the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top, and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Thoroughly drying the maraschino cherries is essential to prevent excess moisture in the dough, which can affect texture.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter substitutes.
- Do not overmix the egg into the butter and sugar to keep the cookies tender.
- Baking one sheet at a time ensures even heat distribution and consistent baking results.
- Flaky sea salt on top enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness and adding a slight crunch.
