Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s as stunning as it is delicious, these maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies are just the ticket! With their soft, chewy texture, vibrant pink color, and irresistible flavor combination of cherries and chocolate, they’re a showstopper at any event. Plus, they’re easy to make, taking just 10 minutes to prep.

Whether it’s for a holiday cookie tray, a baby shower, or a simple treat to brighten someone’s day, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Maraschino Cherry Cookies

• Vibrant and fun with their signature pink hue.
• Perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or birthday parties.
• Customizable with different chocolate options or without chips.
• Quick prep time, making it beginner-friendly.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Maraschino Cherry Cookies

To make the best maraschino cherry cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1¼ cups light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
• Small amount of pink gel food coloring (AmeriColor works best)

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g, properly measured)
• 2 tsp cornstarch (for extra softness)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Add-Ins

• 1 cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and finely chopped
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or your favorite type of chocolate

Pro Tip: Properly drain and chop your cherries. Excess moisture can make the dough too sticky.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of cookies every time.

1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, vanilla, almond extract, and pink gel food coloring. Mix until combined.

2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick.

3: Fold in the Add-Ins

Gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips using a spatula.

4: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to form golf-ball-sized dough balls (about 2 tablespoons). For that bakery look, press extra chocolate chips and cherry pieces onto the tops of the dough balls.

5: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Avoid overbaking to maintain the vibrant pink color.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale to avoid dry cookies.
Drain cherries thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from affecting the dough’s texture.
Adjust baking time based on the size of the dough balls to prevent overbaking.
Freeze cookie dough balls for up to three months and bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Customizations

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure.
Chocolate Options: Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chopped chocolate chunks.
No Chips? No Problem: Skip the chocolate for a classic old-fashioned maraschino cherry cookies recipe.

Storing and Freezing Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep them soft.
Freezing: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes These Cookies Perfect for Christmas?
The bright pink color and rich cherry-chocolate flavor make these cookies festive and eye-catching, ideal for holiday cookie trays.

Can I Skip the Pink Food Coloring?
Absolutely. The cookies will still be delicious without the food coloring, though they won’t have the signature pink hue.

Why Are My Cookies Turning Brown?
Overbaking is the likely culprit. Keep an eye on the edges and remove the cookies from the oven before they brown too much.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Festive Everything Cookies

Final Thoughts

These maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Their soft, chewy texture combined with bursts of cherry flavor and melty chocolate chips makes them utterly irresistible.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos or modifications in the comments below. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again and again. Happy baking!

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest for later.

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