With every cookie I bake, there’s one recipe that never fails to bring a smile to my face: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. The moment you take a bite, the delightful combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate makes you forget about the ordinary. I discovered this vibrant treat while looking to add a splash of color to our dessert table a whim that turned into my go-to for gatherings and celebrations.
The best part? These cookies only take 10 minutes to prepare! Whether it’s a baby shower, birthday party, or just a cozy night in, their soft, chewy texture and eye-catching pink hue make them a crowd-pleaser. And for those who prefer a chocolate-free option, the recipe adapts beautifully. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into these deliciously fun Maraschino Cherry Cookies!
Why Love This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe?
Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delightful cookies for any occasion, making them perfect for those busy weeknights or surprise guests.
Vibrant Appeal: The stunning pink hue and colorful cherries make these cookies not just tasty but also a visual treat that impresses everyone.
Versatile Option: Whether you’re a chocolate lover or not, you can easily adapt the recipe by omitting chocolate chips, ensuring everyone can enjoy these cookies.
Memory Maker: Each bite bursts with sweet cherry flavor, creating memorable moments at baby showers, birthday parties, or cozy nights in.
Gluten-Free Friendly: A gluten-free version using King Arthur’s Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour ensures that all your friends can indulge without worry!
Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: The chewy texture and delightful flavor combination will make them a favorite at every gathering, ensuring they disappear faster than you can bake them!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe Ingredients
• Let’s gather everything you need for these delightful cookies!
For the Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure. Ensure proper measurement to avoid dry cookies; use the spoon-and-sweep method or a kitchen scale.
- Cornstarch – Enhances texture, making cookies soft and chewy.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a perfect rise.
- Salt – Balances out the sweetness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds richness and depth of flavor. Feel free to use mini chips for a fun twist!
- Unsalted Butter – Contributes moisture and flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
- Light Brown Sugar – Brings chewiness and flavor complexity.
- Granulated Sugar – Offers sweetness and aids browning.
- Large Eggs – Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Almond Extract – Delivers a delightful cherry-almond synergy. Adjust or omit based on personal preference.
- Pink Gel Food Coloring – Boosts visual appeal for that eye-catching pink hue. Gel is much more effective than liquid food coloring for intensity.
- Maraschino Cherries – Infuses bursts of cherry flavor and moisture. Remember to chop finely and drain well before use.
Indulge in this Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe that brings joy with each delightful bite!
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside. This dry mixture creates the perfect cookie structure.
- Beat together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in another bowl until it’s fluffy and pale, about 2 minutes. This step adds amazing airiness to your cookies.
- Add the large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until everything is combined. Now, incorporate a small amount of pink gel food coloring for that delightful rosy hue.
- Mix in the dry ingredients gradually on low speed until a thick dough forms. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything well.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand, ensuring even distribution of those sweet bursts of cherry and rich chocolate.
- Scoop out golf ball-sized dough onto the baking sheet, pressing extra cherries and chips on top for visual appeal—it’s all about those gorgeous colors!
- Bake for 10-13 minutes until the edges are golden. Remember, you want your cookies to remain soft; they’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool!
- Cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly without falling apart.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
These cookies are perfect for creating a delightful spread that will impress your friends and family.
- Milkshake: A rich chocolate or cherry milkshake complements the flavors, adding a creamy contrast to the cookies’ chewiness. Perfect for a nostalgic treat!
- Ice Cream Sundae: Top vanilla or chocolate ice cream with the cookies for a luscious sundae. Drizzling hot fudge over the combination takes it to another level of indulgence.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with a mix of berries and cherries can lighten the dessert table. The vibrant colors will mirror those of the cookies beautifully.
- Coffee: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee works wonders. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweet and fruity flavor profile.
- Sparkling Water: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, serve with flavored sparkling water. The bubbles add a fun twist while cleansing the palate between bites.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet bites offer a touch of decadence that echoes the flavors of the cookies. They’re visually stunning and deliciously interactive!
- Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes topped with cherries create a more elevated dessert option. Their creamy texture pairs beautifully with the cookies’ chewy characteristics.
- Chocolate Milk: For those who love a classic pairing, a glass of chocolate milk brings out the cookie’s chocolate chips, making for a nostalgic childhood treat!
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your fresh cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want to prolong freshness, you can store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Ensure they’re in an airtight container to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To enjoy your frozen maraschino cherry cookies, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own with these exciting variations!
- Chocolate-Free: Omit the chocolate chips for a deliciously pure maraschino cherry cookie that lets the fruit shine.
- Coconut Variation: Replace almond extract with coconut extract for a tropical twist that will transport your taste buds to the beach.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture that beautifully contrasts with the soft cookie.
- White Chocolate Twist: Swapping semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate creates a rich, creamy flavor that pairs wonderfully with cherries.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice that adds depth to your cookies, perfect for autumn gatherings.
- Dried Fruit Blend: Incorporate chopped dried cranberries or apricots alongside maraschino cherries for a fruity medley that bursts with flavor.
- Pulse of Heat: For a fun kick, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the dough—an adventurous cookie that surprises the palate.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Top your dough balls with colorful sprinkles before baking. It enhances the visual appeal, making them as festive as they are delicious!
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing taste! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. This not only enhances the flavors but also allows for perfectly chilled dough that holds its shape while baking. For even longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet straight from the fridge or freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if frozen. Enjoy the convenience of having freshly baked cookies with minimal effort on your busy days!
Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe
• Accurate Measurements: Properly measure flour using the spoon-and-sweep method to avoid dry cookies; too much flour can affect texture.
• Gel Food Coloring: Opt for gel food coloring over liquid to achieve vibrant pink hues—liquid versions can lead to dull colors.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should remain soft when baked. They continue to cook on the sheet after removing them.
• Chop Cherries Well: Ensure maraschino cherries are finely chopped and well-drained to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the cookie’s texture.
• Gluten-Free Swap: For gluten-free maraschino cherry cookies, use King Arthur’s Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour to achieve a similar texture without the gluten.
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting maraschino cherries?
When selecting maraschino cherries, choose those that are vividly colored and have a firm texture. Look for brands that use natural coloring without artificial additives for better flavor. Always ensure they are well-drained before chopping to prevent excess moisture in your cookies.
How should I store my maraschino cherry cookies?
Keep your fresh cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful softness. If you’re aiming for longer storage, you can place them in the fridge for up to a week, making sure they’re properly sealed so they don’t dry out.
Can I freeze maraschino cherry cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
What’s the best way to prevent my cookies from becoming dry?
To keep your cookies perfectly chewy, be sure to accurately measure your flour using the spoon-and-sweep method rather than scooping directly from the bag. Overmeasuring can lead to dry cookies. Also, ensure not to overbake them; they should remain soft in the center, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you’re making these cookies for a gluten-sensitive friend, you can use King Arthur’s Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour as a substitute, and still achieve that lovely, chewy texture. Additionally, if anyone has a nut allergy, you may want to omit the almond extract as it contributes to flavor but isn’t essential for the cookies to turn out delicious.
Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?
Very much so! For a pure maraschino cherry treat, simply omit the chocolate chips. The cookies will still be vibrant and delightful, bursting with cherry flavor, making them a perfect option for those who prefer a chocolate-free delight.
Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- Beat together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until combined. Incorporate a small amount of pink gel food coloring.
- Mix in the dry ingredients gradually on low speed until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand.
- Scoop out golf ball-sized dough onto the baking sheet, pressing extra cherries and chips on top.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.