Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of maraschino cherries began to envelop the room, instantly transporting me to those joyful moments of baking during the holidays. These Sweet Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only a delightful mix of flavors but also a feast for the eyes with their vibrant pink hue. With just 10 minutes of prep time, these gluten-free gems will charm everyone at your gathering, making them a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to whip up again and again. Plus, the customizable add-ins allow you to put your own spin on this classic treat! Are you ready to brighten your dessert table with these cheerful cookies? Let’s get started! What Makes These Cookies So Special? Vibrant Hue: The eye-catching pink color of these cookies brings a festive flair to any occasion, making them perfect for celebrations. Quick and Easy: In just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a dough ready to bake, ideal for those last-minute dessert cravings or unexpected guests. Customizable Delight: Feel free to adjust the recipe with optional add-ins like chopped nuts or spices to create your own unique twist. Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a deliciously chewy and moist center, paired with pockets of melted chocolate and sweet cherries for a satisfying experience. Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe to cater to gluten-free needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful treats. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a family gathering or a potluck, these cookies are sure to impress and delight both kids and adults alike. Pair them with a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience! Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookie Ingredients • Below are the key ingredients for crafting your wonderful Sweet Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. For the Cookies All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Cornstarch – Contributes to a softer texture; can be omitted if preferred. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a delightful cookie rise. Salt – Enhances flavor; just a pinch adds depth to your treat. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and richness; swap with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Unsalted Butter – Ensures a tender texture; use at room temperature for the best mixing results. Light Brown Sugar – Offers sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor; dark brown sugar is an acceptable substitute. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust to your taste. Large Egg – Binds ingredients together; remember to use it at room temperature for best results. Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; no substitutes needed for this key ingredient. Almond Extract – Adds a nutty depth to flavor; optional for those with nut allergies. Pink Gel Food Coloring – Provides a vibrant visual appeal; avoid liquid food coloring for best results. Maraschino Cherries – Adds a burst of sweetness and color; ensure they’re drained and finely chopped. Increase to 1.5 cups for an extra cherry flavor boost. Optional Add-Ins Chopped Nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans) – Adds delightful crunch; feel free to experiment! Spices (e.g., cinnamon, nutmeg) – Introduces warm, seasonal flavors; a sprinkle can elevate the taste. Decorative Sprinkles – Perfect for adding a festive touch; let your creativity shine! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly. The excitement builds as you get ready to create your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies! Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps. This step helps create a uniform texture in your cookies. Set the bowl aside as you move on to the wet ingredients. Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for soft and chewy Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies. Step 4: Mix in the Wet Ingredients Add the large egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and pink gel food coloring to the creamed mixture. Beat everything together until well combined and smooth. The vibrant pink color begins to shine through, and you’ll notice the delightful scent of the extracts filling your kitchen. Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough just forms. Be careful not to over-mix; you want your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies to have a tender texture. Scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway ensures everything is well-incorporated. Step 6: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. This is where the fun happens—each cookie will be filled with bursts of sweet cherries and melting chocolate. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, ready for scooping. Step 7: Scoop the Dough Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the cookie dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. This allows room for spreading while baking. Your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies are coming together beautifully! Step 8: Bake the Cookies Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft. Monitor them closely, as baking times can vary. The aroma will start to fill your home, creating an irresistible atmosphere of sweet anticipation. Step 9: Cool and Transfer Once baked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 15 minutes. This allows them to set properly. After cooling, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the colorful and tasty spectacle of your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies! How to Store and Freeze Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their deliciously chewy texture. Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, keep cookies in the refrigerator, where they can last for about 2 weeks while still being tasty and delightful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy a freshly-baked taste, thaw frozen cookies and microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. What to Serve with Sweet Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Indulge in the joy of creating a complete dessert experience that complements these vibrant, chewy treats. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich and creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the chewy cookies, enhancing their sweetness while adding a cooling element. Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries serves as a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, elevating every bite. Mint Tea: The light and soothing flavors of mint tea cleanse the palate, making it an ideal beverage choice to enjoy alongside these cherry cookies. Chocolate Milkshake: Indulge in a classic chocolate milkshake alongside your cookies for a nostalgic treat that transforms your dessert into a delightful shake experience. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over each cookie can add an extra layer of sweetness and a gooey texture, making your dessert even more decadent. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a delightful contrast to the denser cookie, creating a delicious combination that feels indulgent yet light. Lemon Bars: The tartness of lemon bars complements the sweetness of the cookies, adding a zesty balance that can brighten up any dessert table. Herbal Iced Tea: A cold, refreshing herbal iced tea works wonders in cooling down the sweetness, offering a delightful balance to your cookie feast. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The richness of chocolate-covered strawberries matches perfectly with the cherry and chocolate flavors, turning dessert into a gourmet experience. Expert Tips for Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps to create a smooth, creamy mixture for your Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies. Chill If Needed: If your dough is too sticky to scoop, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make handling easier without compromising texture. Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye as they bake; take them out when edges turn golden, but the centers are still soft for that perfect chewy bite. Customize Wisely: While it’s fun to add optional ingredients, be careful not to overwhelm the cookie dough. Stick to a few add-ins to maintain the balance of flavors. Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay tasty for about a week! Make Ahead Options These Sweet Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are fantastic for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If you need to prep even further ahead, the dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, bake them straight from the fridge or after thawing, and you’ll have fresh, chewy cookies just as delightful as if you made them on the spot! Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations Feel free to get creative with these cookies and elevate their delightful flavors in exciting ways! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can indulge in these treats. Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting twist that’s perfect for cozy gatherings. Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a delightful nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the cherry flavor. Cherry Bomb: Increase the chopped maraschino cherries to 1.5 cups for an intensified cherry flavor that bursts in every bite. White Chocolate Wonder: Swap the semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Coconut Delight: Incorporate sweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair that complements the cherries wonderfully. Fruity Finesse: Add in some chopped dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for a chewy texture and additional fruitiness. You might also enjoy these delightful recipes like Sausage Sweet Potatoes or Cotton Candy Cookies to mix things up in your dessert lineup! Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen! Sweet Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I know if my maraschino cherries are ripe enough? Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries for your cookies, look for those that are bright red and glossy. Avoid any cherries that have dark spots all over, as this can indicate they’re past their prime. Drain them well and chop finely to incorporate them seamlessly into your cookie dough. For even more flavor, increase the quantity to 1.5 cups! What is the best way to store Sweet Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies? To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to last longer, pop them in the refrigerator where they can stay tasty for about 2 weeks. Ensure they’re completely cool before storing to maintain their chewiness! Can I freeze my baked cookies? If so, how? Very! To freeze Sweet Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They will stay delicious for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked taste. What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky? The more the merrier! If your cookie dough ends up a bit too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Just pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This cooling period will make it easier to scoop and shape your cookies without compromising their soft and chewy texture. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Absolutely! If you or your guests have nut allergies, feel free to omit the almond extract. Additionally, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the other ingredients, like baking soda and chocolate chips, are also gluten-free for safe consumption! Can I customize the Sweet Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe? Very much so! You can add a variety of optional ingredients such as chopped nuts, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and even decorative sprinkles for that extra festive touch. Just be sure not to overwhelm the base flavors of cherries and chocolate by keeping the ratio balanced! Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies: Chewy, Colorful Delights! Sweet Maraschino Cherry Cookies are chewy, colorful treats that blend vibrant flavors, perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 13 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 38 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookies2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option2 tablespoons cornstarch can be omitted if preferred1 teaspoon baking soda acts as a leavening agent1/2 teaspoon salt just a pinch adds depth1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips swap with white chocolate chips for a different flavor1/2 cup unsalted butter use at room temperature for best results1 cup light brown sugar dark brown sugar is an acceptable substitute1/4 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste1 large egg use at room temperature for best results1 teaspoon vanilla extract no substitutes needed1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional for those with nut allergies1 teaspoon pink gel food coloring avoid liquid food coloring for best results1 cup maraschino cherries drained and finely chopped, increase to 1.5 cups for extra flavorOptional Add-Ins1 cup chopped nuts e.g., walnuts, pecansspices e.g., cinnamon, nutmegdecorative sprinkles for a festive touch Equipment Baking sheetParchment paperMixing bowlsWhiskElectric mixerCookie scoop Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Maraschino Cherry CookiesPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly and set aside.In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and food coloring to the creamed mixture, mixing until smooth.Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms.Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips.Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space.Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft.Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure the butter is at room temperature for a smooth mixture. If the dough is too sticky, chill for 30 minutes. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
