There’s a simple joy that comes from the comforting embrace of freshly baked cookies, and my Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are no exception. As the sweet scent of chocolate mingles with the fruity aroma of maraschino cherries wafts through the air, it instantly transports me to carefree afternoons filled with laughter and smiles. These delightful treats are not just visually appealing with their charming pink hue; they evoke a delightful nostalgia that will remind you of dessert tables at festive gatherings.
When I first created this recipe, I wanted to combine the rich, familiar flavors of chocolate with the bright burst of cherry—resulting in a cookie that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Plus, with gluten-free alternatives at your fingertips, these cookies ensure everyone can indulge, making them the perfect addition to any occasion. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with every mouthful enhanced by that delightful cherry flavor. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s bring sweetness to your kitchen with these irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Why Love This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe?
Deliciousness awaits you with these cookies featuring a perfect blend of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips. Gluten-free option means everyone can enjoy this treat without worry. Quick and simple preparation ensures you can whip them up on a whim, making them ideal for spontaneous baking days. Versatile flavors let you customize with different extracts or chocolate varieties. Nostalgic appeal makes them a hit at gatherings, bringing back memories of festive desserts. Don’t forget to try them with a scoop of ice cream for an even more delightful experience!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready for a delightful baking experience!
For the Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; measure accurately for the best results.
- Cornstarch – Adds tenderness to the cookie texture; perfect for a chewy bite.
- Baking Soda – Serves as the leavening agent to create soft, chewy cookies.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Offers richness and sweetness; consider mini chips for added fun.
- Unsalted Butter – Improves texture and flavor; ensure it’s at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to your cookies.
- Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and helps with crisping; balances the rich flavors.
- Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients together; use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
- Almond Extract – Enhances the cherry flavor; substitute with maple or vanilla extract if preferred.
- Pink Gel Food Coloring – Optional for visual appeal; gel coloring ensures vibrant results.
- Maraschino Cherries – Provides moisture and flavor; drain and finely chop to avoid excess liquid.
For the Freezing Step
- Parchment Paper – Line your baking sheet to prevent sticking; an essential for easy cleanup.
These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but a delightful treat for your taste buds. Happy baking!
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure your cookies bake perfectly. A preheated oven helps achieve that chewy interior with just the right amount of crisp edges.
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Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is vital for ensuring an even texture throughout your cookies.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. The mixture should become pale, promising a rich and delightful cookie.
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Mix in Eggs and Extracts: Add the large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated. This adds depth and flavor, enhancing the cherry notes in your cookies.
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Incorporate Color and Cherries: Gently fold in your pink gel food coloring until you reach the desired hue. Next, add the finely chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips; mix until evenly distributed.
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Form and Freeze Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes—this helps them maintain their shape during baking.
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Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-13 minutes. Remove them when the edges are set, but the centers look soft. They will continue to cook slightly after being taken out of the oven.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This gives them time to firm up while still remaining soft in the center.
Optional: Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Pair these whimsical cookies with delightful accompaniments that elevate your homemade treat experience and warm the heart.
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Cold Milk: The classic pairing brings out the chocolate and cherry flavors, creating a comforting taste that harkens back to childhood.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of this creamy delight transforms your cookies into an indulgent dessert, with rich ice cream contrasting the chewy texture.
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Fresh Berries: A side of strawberries or raspberries adds a fresh, tart twist, balancing the sweetness of the cookies beautifully while adding a pop of color.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm, robust cup accentuates the cookies’ chocolate goodness and enhances the overall flavor profile at any time of day.
Craving a full experience? Picture dipping a warm cookie into frothy coffee, the chocolate melting luxuriously, as fruity cherry notes linger delightfully in every bite.
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Chocolate Milkshake: For an extra indulgent treat, whip up a chocolate milkshake! The creaminess pairs perfectly with the cookies and takes dessert to the next level.
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Mint Tea: A refreshing herbal tea with mint notes cleanses the palate and complements the rich flavors of chocolate and cherry in a more sophisticated way.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites, with their sweet and creamy texture, create a gorgeous contrast to the chewy cookies while maintaining a beautiful dessert theme.
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Fruit Salad: For a light, refreshing option, pair with a vibrant fruit salad that offers a burst of freshness against the rich flavors of the cookies.
Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies
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Well-Drained Cherries: Ensure maraschino cherries are thoroughly drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture, which could lead to soggy cookies.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and butter at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation, leading to a tender cookie texture.
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Don’t Over-Bake: Aim to pull the cookies out when the edges are set but the centers remain soft; they will continue to cook on the sheet, ensuring a chewy texture.
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Chilling Dough: Freezing the cookie dough balls for 30 minutes helps them maintain their shape while baking, preventing overly flat cookies.
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Customize Flavor: Feel free to substitute almond extract with vanilla or maple for a different twist on this maraschino cherry cookies recipe, making it uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, offering a delightful treat with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 72 hours, or freeze it for up to 3 months. To do this, simply portion the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and freeze until solid before transferring them to an airtight container. This method maintains their quality, ensuring they’re just as delicious when baked later. When you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies, simply bake from frozen for 12-15 minutes, adding a couple of extra minutes if using chilled dough from the fridge. Enjoy the simplicity of having these delightful Maraschino Cherry Cookies on hand for busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Fridge: If you need to keep cookies longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
Dough Freezing: Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Form into balls and flash freeze. Once frozen, store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer at 350°F for a warm treat anytime!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations
There’s no limit to how you can make these delightful cookies your own, so let your creative spirit shine!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to allow everyone to enjoy these delectable treats. This option ensures the cookies maintain their delightful texture.
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Cherry Juice: Swap almond extract for cherry juice to intensify the fruity flavor, creating an even more delicious cherry experience in every bite.
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Mini Chocolate Chips: Replace regular chocolate chips with mini ones for a fun twist and added chocolatey goodness in each cookie.
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Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture beautifully. Just a handful will add a wonderful earthy taste.
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Flavor Boost: Enhance the cherry and chocolate flavor by adding a touch of espresso powder to the dough; this will elevate the taste profile in a delightful way!
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Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix for a surprising warm twist that pairs well with the sweetness.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version while still enjoying a soft, flavorful cookie. The coconut oil adds a hint of tropical flavor.
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Fruity Swaps: Experiment with different fruits, like dried cranberries or chopped strawberries, for a unique fruity twist that still captures the spirit of these maraschino cookies!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that are vibrant in color and free of dark spots. Avoid cherries that appear overly soft or have begun to lose their shine; these signs indicate they may be past their prime.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Very! To keep your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid environment, consider using a cookie jar with a tight seal to prevent moisture from making them soggy.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your baked cookies, first allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months. For serving, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for that fresh-baked feel!
What if my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies come out flat, don’t worry! This can happen if your butter was too soft, or if you didn’t chill the dough long enough before baking. Ensure your butter is just softened (not melted) and try chilling the dough for an additional 15-20 minutes next time to help maintain their shape while baking.
Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, you can make these cookies safe for nut allergies by substituting the almond extract with vanilla or maple extract. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure that they are nut-free, especially if you are using a store-bought extract.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of it to help with the texture. Follow the same instructions as the original recipe, and enjoy a delicious gluten-free treat!
Ultimate Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe for Sweet Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the pink gel food coloring, then add the finely chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips; mix until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes.
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-13 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers look soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to firm up.