Name: Soft and Chewy Maraschino Cherry Cookies You'll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free blend for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (must be at room temperature; substitute with vegan butter for vegan option); 1 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (use flax eggs for vegan option); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 1 drop pink gel food coloring (for visual appeal); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (consider dark chocolate chips for richer taste); 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)

As I stirred together the ingredients for these cookies, an unexpected blend of scents filled my kitchen, whisking me to my childhood days of baking with my grandmother. Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Maraschino Cherry Cookies, a delightful twist on a classic treat! In just 40 minutes, you can create these soft and chewy wonders, bursting with sweet cherries and rich chocolate—a perfect indulgence for any occasion. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they also have gluten-free and vegan adaptations, making them accessible for everyone at your table. Are you ready to whip up a batch and let your kitchen be filled with nostalgia and deliciousness?

Why Are These Cookies So Special?

Irresistible, you won’t be able to stop at just one! These Maraschino Cherry Cookies combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with a fruity twist, making them a unique treat for any gathering. Quick to make, in just 40 minutes, you can bake a warm batch to impress family and friends. Versatile for all diets, with options for gluten-free and vegan adaptations, everyone can indulge. Rich in texture, enjoy the delightful contrast of soft cookie bodies paired with juicy cherries and melty chocolate. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience!

Maraschino Cherry Cookie Ingredients

Get ready to bake these delightful Maraschino Cherry Cookies with fresh, vibrant ingredients!

For the Cookie Base

All-purpose flour – This is the foundation for texture; feel free to substitute with a gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free goodness.
Cornstarch – Adds softness to cookies, ensuring each bite is chewy and tender.
Baking soda – Essential for structure, helps the cookies rise perfectly in the oven.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

For the Wet Mix

Unsalted butter – Creates a rich flavor and must be at room temperature for easy mixing; substitute with vegan butter for a vegan option.
Light brown sugar – Adds a beautiful caramel note to each bite.
Granulated sugar – Complements the brown sugar with a touch of extra sweetness.
Large eggs – Acts as a binding agent to hold everything together; use flax eggs to make it vegan.
Vanilla extract – Provides a depth of flavor that makes every cookie taste homemade.
Almond extract – Optional but enhances the overall flavor; omit for nut allergies.
Pink gel food coloring – Adds visual appeal without impacting flavor.

For the Delicious Mix-Ins

Semi-sweet chocolate chips – These are the main flavor component; consider dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
Maraschino cherries – Provides that juicy sweetness; don’t forget to drain and chop them for the perfect bite!

Your kitchen is going to smell incredibly inviting while these cookies bake, filling it with memories of sweet indulgences. Let’s make some Maraschino Cherry Cookies to delight everyone!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take a moment to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent your delicious Maraschino Cherry Cookies from sticking and ensure they come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is crucial for creating a balanced texture in your cookies. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients, giving you clarity in your cookie-making process.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a larger mixing bowl, beat together the room-temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air, ensuring your Maraschino Cherry Cookies are soft and chewy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Next, add the large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together for about 30 seconds until well combined. This will help bind your ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor of your cookies with those delightful extracts.

Step 5: Incorporate Food Coloring
To add a splash of color, carefully mix in the pink gel food coloring until evenly blended. This step not only enhances the visual appeal of your Maraschino Cherry Cookies but also sparks a sense of joy as you prepare a festive treat for your loved ones.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated. Be cautious not to overmix—aim for a soft dough, which is essential for achieving those chewy cookie centers.

Step 7: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. This is where the magic happens, as every bite will now carry the sweet bursts of cherries alongside melted chocolate, creating the ultimate flavor combination in your Maraschino Cherry Cookies.

Step 8: Shape the Dough
Using your hands, take golf ball-sized portions of the cookie dough and roll them into balls. Slightly flatten each ball before placing them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading. For a finishing touch, top each cookie ball with extra cherries or chocolate chips for a more indulgent appearance.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 10-13 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the centers still appear soft. This ensures a delightful balance between chewy and soft, making your Maraschino Cherry Cookies irresistible.

Step 10: Cool and Transfer
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and cool them on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. This cooling time allows them to firm up while remaining soft inside. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma.

Make Ahead Options

These Maraschino Cherry Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then refrigerating the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This not only allows the flavors to meld but also helps maintain that soft and chewy texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just portion it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, simply bake them directly from the fridge or freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for perfectly chewy Maraschino Cherry Cookies every time!

What to Serve with Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Warm, soft, and packed with sweet bursts of cherry and rich chocolate, these cookies are just calling for the perfect accompaniments.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm cookies, making each bite a heavenly experience.
Fresh Berry Medley: A vibrant mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing zing that beautifully complements the richness of the cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: For the ultimate indulgence, offer a pot of warm chocolate fondue where guests can dip half of the cookies for an extra chocolatey treat.
Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavor of coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies, allowing each morsel to shine while offering an energy boost.
Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of tangy cream cheese frosting on top of the cookies not only enhances flavor but adds a luscious creaminess that children and adults alike will adore.
Milkshake: Blend up a cherry milkshake to harmonize with the cherries in the cookies, bringing back nostalgic memories of soda fountains and sweet treats enjoyed with friends.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: These refreshing drinks bring a bright contrast to the sweet cookie flavors, perfect for sunny days or gatherings.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For an elegant dessert pairing, serve chocolate-covered strawberries alongside the cookies to elevate the sweet experience altogether.

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with these delightful variations to make this cookie recipe uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a completely gluten-free option. This will delight those who need to avoid gluten while still enjoying delicious cookies.
Vegan: Replace the unsalted butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs instead of large eggs for a plant-based version. You won’t miss the animal products at all—just the delightful taste will shine through!
Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips. This addition provides a richer, deeper chocolate flavor balance that pairs exquisitely with the cherries.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus twist. The zest adds brightness and enhances the flavor, making it even more delightful.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch. The texture will elevate your cookies, giving them a hearty bite that complements the chewiness.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a surprising warmth. This twist will elevate the flavor complexity of these cookies, making them surprisingly addictive!
Dried Fruit: Instead of maraschino cherries, try dried cherries or cranberries for a chewier texture and a more intense fruit flavor. They offer an alternative sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Color Pop: Beat in various food colorings to create a rainbow of cookie dough. This playful variation is perfect for festive occasions or just to add fun to your baking!

By customizing your Maraschino Cherry Cookies with these variations, you’ll ensure there’s something special for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free version or experimenting with flavors, there’s no limit to the joy you can create in your kitchen. Discover these suggestions and more, and let your baking adventures flourish!

How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Airtight Container: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy.

Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Make sure they’re covered to prevent drying out.

Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place them directly in the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating: To enjoy leftover cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh, gooey feel!

Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture, yielding even chewier cookies.
Watch the Bake Time: Avoid overbaking; the cookies should look set but remain soft in the center for the perfect chewy bite.
Gradual Flour Addition: If your dough feels sticky, add flour gradually until it’s manageable to prevent trouble when shaping your cookies.
Substitution Smartness: When adapting for dietary needs, remember to use vegan butter and flax eggs for a successful vegan version of these Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
Mix-Ins Matter: Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor, elevating your cookie experience!

Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select maraschino cherries for the cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting maraschino cherries, look for those that have a bright, vibrant color without any dark spots. They should be firm and juicy, ideally from a quality brand or made with natural ingredients. Remember to drain and chop them finely before incorporating them into your cookie dough for even distribution of that sweet burst in every bite!

How should I store my Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
To keep your Maraschino Cherry Cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them in a covered container for up to a week. Just make sure they are cooled completely first, so they don’t become soggy!

Can I freeze the cookie dough? How?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough is an excellent way to have fresh cookies on demand. First, scoop the dough into golf ball-sized portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls into a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just take them out and place them in a preheated oven, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find your cookie dough is sticky, don’t worry—this can happen sometimes! Try adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough becomes workable. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as you still want that wonderful chewy texture in your cookies. A good tip is to chill the dough for about 30 minutes, which can help reduce stickiness and enhance flavor!

Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, you can! To make gluten-free Maraschino Cherry Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. For a vegan version, use vegan butter in place of regular butter and substitute the large eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg). Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to your wet ingredients!

How should I handle these cookies if I have nut allergies?
If you or someone at your gathering has nut allergies, simply omit the almond extract from the recipe. The cookies will still be delicious, and the vanilla will keep the flavor profile robust. If you’re using chocolate chips, double-check that they’re nut-free as well!