When the first hints of romance start to fill the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, I find myself in the kitchen, eager to whip up something special. This Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe is not just another dessert; it’s a heartfelt treat infused with love and vibrant flavor! The fantastical combination of soft, chewy cookie dough studded with sweet chocolate chips and juicy maraschino cherries creates an indulgent experience that awakens the senses.
I discovered this gem during a cozy afternoon baking session, craving something more exciting than my typical cookie routine. The cherry hue gives them a festive flair, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet escape all to yourself. Plus, the best part? You can easily adapt it to meet gluten-free needs or switch up the chocolate variety! With these cookies, you can bake up some bliss that looks as delightful as it tastes. Get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Why Love the Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet chocolate chips and juicy maraschino cherries creates a truly indulgent cookie.
Festive Appeal: Their vibrant pink hue makes these cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, adding a lovely touch to your dessert table.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile Options: You can easily substitute ingredients for a gluten-free version or change up the chocolate to suit your taste.
Perfect for Sharing: These delightful cookies are a wonderful treat to share with loved ones, making them ideal for gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare your dough ahead of time! Freeze it for later baking, ensuring you’re always ready to whip up a batch of love in cookie form.
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; ensure accurate measurement for the perfect texture.
• Cornstarch – Adds softness and a chewy texture, helping maintain moisture in your maraschino cherry cookies recipe.
• Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps cookies rise for that light and fluffy bite.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds rich sweetness; you can substitute with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – Essential for moisture and flavor; use at room temperature for the best mixing consistency.
• Light Brown Sugar – Contributes to a chewy texture and adds a touch of caramel flavor that complements cherries.
• Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie structure.
• Large Eggs – Acts as a binder for the ingredients, adding moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract – Brings depth to the flavors, elevating the overall taste experience.
• Almond Extract – Adds a nutty note that pairs beautifully with cherries; can be left out if you prefer a simpler flavor.
• Pink Gel Food Coloring – Optional, but it enhances the visual appeal; use gel for vibrant color without changing the texture.
• Maraschino Cherries – The star of the show; ensure they’re well-drained and finely chopped to avoid excess moisture.
For the Topping
• Additional Chocolate Chips – Press a few on top of each cookie before baking for an extra chocolatey touch.
• Chopped Maraschino Cherries – Add to the top for an eye-catching finish and more burst of flavor.
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies
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Prep Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This sets the foundation for your cookies’ delightful texture—so take a moment to ensure everything is well mixed!
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes and is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the large eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and optional pink gel food coloring. Blend well until the mixture is smooth, which adds a lovely depth of flavor and a hint of cheer!
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Combine Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick, cohesive dough forms. Be mindful not to overmix, or your cookies could turn tough instead of tender.
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Incorporate Cherries and Chocolate: Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed. Every bite should be a delightful surprise of chocolate and cherry!
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Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet. For an extra touch, press additional chocolate chips and cherry pieces on top. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-13 minutes until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft. This timing is key for that perfect chewy texture!
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Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Avoid covering them right away to maintain that delightful, chewy consistency.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra festive flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for the Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe
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Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are incorporated; this keeps your cookies tender and chewy.
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Well-Drained Cherries: Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture in your cookie batter.
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Chill the Dough: Allow the cookie dough to chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes; this helps maintain their shape and texture while baking.
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Bake Just Right: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake—remove them from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked for that perfect soft center.
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Try Different Chocolates: Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate in the Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe for a delicious twist.
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Indulging in these delightful cookies can be even more enjoyable when you pair them with the right accompaniments!
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold texture of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, soft cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of freshness that complements the sweet cherry flavor, creating a harmonious balance on your plate.
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Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate brings extra coziness and a decadent chocolate pairing, perfect for a sweet treat on chilly days.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream enhances the cookies’ sweetness while adding a luxurious touch, making each bite feel even more special.
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Nutty Coffee: Serving the cookies with a rich, nutty coffee elevates the entire experience, beautifully contrasting the sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These sweet, fruity delights echo the flavors of the cookies, creating an elegant pairing fit for special occasions or romantic moments.
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Coconut Macaroons: The chewy and nutty texture of coconut macaroons adds an interesting twist, showcasing a blend of flavors that delight the senses.
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Mint Tea: A refreshing cup of mint tea cleanses the palate and balances the sweetness of the cookies, making for a light and satisfying dessert experience.
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Light Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and a hint of tartness, cutting through the richness of the cookies while providing a burst of color to your table.
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Sparkling Lemonade: This crisp and effervescent drink adds a zesty sparkle, making your cookie experience feel festive and fun, perfect for gatherings with friends and family.
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week; just be aware they may lose a bit of their tenderness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Dough Storage: If you’d like to prepare ahead, the cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just scoop and bake when ready!
Sweet Swaps for Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe
Feel free to customize your cookies with delightful twists that cater to your tastes and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for delicious, chewy results without the gluten.
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Chocolate Variety: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate for a new flavor experience that’s equally indulgent.
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Nuts for Crunch: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the cookie.
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Coconut Bliss: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical twist! The combination of cherry and coconut brings a sweet, summery vibe.
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Spicy Heat: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a warming kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cherries.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a lactose-free treat everyone can enjoy.
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Fruit Fusion: Experiment by incorporating finely chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots alongside the cherries. This adds both texture and hints of natural sweetness.
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More Cherry: Boost the cherry flavor even further by adding cherry extract or substituting the almond extract with it for that extra fruity pop.
Each of these variations can add new layers of flavor and excitement to your Maraschino Cherry Cookies, making them even more special for every occasion!
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy weeknights or holiday baking! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients, forming the dough into balls, and then placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their freshness and chewy texture, ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake straight from the fridge for a few extra minutes, allowing you to enjoy warm, homemade cookies on a moment’s notice!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When selecting maraschino cherries, look for bright red cherries that are well-drained. They should be free of dark spots and excessive juice to avoid adding too much moisture to your cookies. If you can, choose those packaged in less syrup for a cleaner taste!
What is the best way to store Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re keeping them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week, although they might lose some of their original tenderness. For keeping that chewy goodness intact, avoid stacking them to minimize squishing!
Can I freeze these cookies or the dough?
Very! You can freeze baked Maraschino Cherry Cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven. Alternatively, if you want to save time, freeze the dough as well—scoop cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer—no need to thaw!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels excessively sticky, it might be due to the moisture from the cherries or overmixing. Start by chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help it firm up. If necessary, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time until achieving the right consistency, where it should be soft but manageable.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version of the Maraschino Cherry Cookies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum, which will help mimic the structural properties of regular flour. This will allow you to enjoy all the delightful flavors without compromising on texture.
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe: Sweet Treats for Love Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the large eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and optional pink gel food coloring.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a thick dough forms.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-13 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.