Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a beautiful twist on a classic treat. With their golden, crisp edges and a soft pink center, they offer a vibrant burst of flavor and color. Each bite combines the rich sweetness of chocolate chips with the bright, tangy pop of maraschino cherries, making them an irresistible addition to any dessert table.

Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a fun weekend baking project, these cookies are sure to impress. The charming pink hue and glossy cherry pieces make them as eye-catching as they are delicious, blending sweetness and richness in every mouthful.

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (plus extra whole cherries for topping)
1 cup chocolate chips
1-2 drops pink or red food coloring (optional for enhanced color)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. For a vibrant pink hue, add 1-2 drops of pink or red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough

Scoop the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For an extra decorative touch, press a few whole cherries and chocolate chips on top of each cookie. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, these cookies are ready to enjoy! Serve them with a cold glass of milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain their softness.
Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Cookie (Approximate):

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sugar: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 80mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content, which can alter the texture of the cookies. If you choose to use fresh cherries, pat them dry thoroughly before folding them into the dough.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. You can also freeze pre-shaped dough balls for up to 3 months.

3. What’s the best way to achieve that vibrant pink color?

Adding 1-2 drops of pink or red food coloring enhances the dough’s color, giving it a delightful pastel hue.

4. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be added for extra crunch and flavor.

5. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading.

6. Can I substitute white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips?

Absolutely! White chocolate pairs beautifully with the cherries, creating a sweeter, creamier flavor.

7. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! Their vibrant color and unique flavor make them perfect for gift boxes, cookie exchanges, or holiday treats.

8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.