Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 cups (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided); 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1¼ cups (267g) light brown sugar; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/8 tsp almond extract; ¼ tsp pink gel food coloring; 1 cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you are looking for a cookie that bursts with color and indulgent flavors, the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute delight. These cookies combine the rich, melty goodness of semi-sweet chocolate chips with the bright, fruity zing of maraschino cherries, all wrapped in a soft, chewy pink dough that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just treating yourself, this recipe balances sweetness, texture, and a playful pop of color in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, soft dough that is bright pink in color. The dough has a rough texture with small dark chocolate chips and chunks of bright red cherries scattered throughout. The bowl has red markings on the side, indicating measurements, and the dough appears creamy and well mixed with some areas clinging to the bowl's sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this fantastic batch of cookies. Each component brings its own magic: flour and cornstarch form the tender base, butter adds richness, sugars lend the perfect level of sweetness and texture, while maraschino cherries and chocolate chips provide bursts of flavor and visual appeal.

All-purpose flour (3 cups / 360g): Provides the structure for your cookies; measuring it accurately ensures perfect texture every time.
Cornstarch (2 tsp): Helps make the cookies tender and soft by softening the flour’s proteins.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Acts as a leavening agent to give your cookies a light rise and soft interior.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups plus extras): Melty pockets of chocolate add decadence and richness.
Unsalted butter, room temperature (1 cup / 226g): Creates richness and helps achieve that chewy, tender texture.
Light brown sugar (1¼ cups / 267g): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup / 50g): Balances the sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and add moisture for tenderness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth.
Almond extract (1/8 tsp): Compliments the cherries with a subtle nutty note.
Pink gel food coloring (¼ tsp): Ensures a beautiful, vibrant pink that stands out in every cookie.
Maraschino cherries, drained & finely chopped (1 cup plus extras): The star of the show — sweet, juicy cherries that make these cookies special and unforgettable.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Dough

Start by chilling the dough later in the process, but first, make sure your flour is measured accurately. I recommend using a kitchen scale for foolproof baking, but if you don’t have one, gently fluff your flour before spooning it into the measuring cup to keep the cookies light and tender. Then finely chop the maraschino cherries and pat them dry on a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in your dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple mix forms the cookie’s base, lending tenderness and the perfect lift as the cookies bake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with the light brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale — usually about 2 minutes on medium speed. This step aerates the dough, helping create a light and chewy texture that’s essential for these cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, beat in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts. The almond extract, though subtle, pairs beautifully with the maraschino cherries, giving your cookies a unique depth of flavor you’ll come to adore.

Step 5: Add the Pink Color

Stir in the pink gel food coloring until you reach a vibrant pink hue. Using gel is key to keeping the dough moist and the color intense without affecting the dough’s consistency.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your mixed dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. The dough will be thick but soft, signaling just the right consistency for chewy cookies.

Step 7: Mix in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and 1 cup of chocolate chips. The cherries provide juicy bursts of flavor, while chocolate chips add rich, melting pockets of sweetness throughout.

Step 8: Shape and Chill the Dough

Using a #40 cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), form dough balls. Then firmly press the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips and extra chopped cherries onto the outside of these balls for an eye-catching presentation. Freezing the dough balls for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances texture.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Bake the cookies in batches of 6 to 8 for 10 to 13 minutes; watch carefully to avoid overbaking, which causes the cookies to lose their pink charm and softness. They’ll look a little underdone when you pull them out, but that’s exactly how you want them to stay soft and chewy after cooling on the baking sheet.

Step 10: Final Touches

Right after baking, add a few more chocolate chips to any cookie spots that seem sparse. This quick step amps up the chocolate presence and keeps the cookies looking irresistible!

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A bright red cookie with dark brown chocolate chips and red cherry pieces spread all over it lies on a white marbled surface with some extra chocolate chips scattered around. Two shiny red cherries with stems rest next to the cookie. Behind the cookie, a clear red glass filled with white milk shows vertical ridges on the glass. More cookies are visible blurred in the background on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For extra flair, a sprinkle of coarse sugar or a few whole maraschino cherries on top just before serving makes these cookies feel like a festive treat. If you want to serve them for a party, add edible glitter or colorful mini chocolate chips for extra sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a lightly whipped cream topped with fresh cherries. The creamy drinks complement the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cookies in a pretty layered jar or basket lined with red or pink tissue paper for gifting. Another fun idea is to serve them with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an easy dessert that feels special and exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because of the moisture in the maraschino cherries, it’s best to store these cookies uncovered or in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This way, you keep them chewy and fresh without getting soggy. Refrigeration is not preferred as it may cause hardening.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls after shaping and before baking for up to 1 month. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. This makes it super convenient to enjoy fresh cookies anytime with minimal prep.

Reheating

If you want to warm the baked cookies, gently microwave for about 10 seconds or place in a low oven (300ºF) for 3-4 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and melts the chocolate to perfection.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a very different texture and moisture content. Maraschino cherries are sweeter and softer, so the flavor and consistency would change. If you use fresh, try draining and chopping them very finely to mimic the effect, but the signature taste will be different.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and prevents spreading. It also improves flavor development and texture, making each bite perfectly chewy and rich.

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides vivid color without adding too much liquid. Regular food coloring may thin the dough, making the cookies spread more and lose their vibrant pink shade.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft and chewy?

Don’t overbake! Pull them out of the oven when they still look a bit underdone in the center, as they will continue cooking on the hot sheet. Also, avoid storing them airtight with moisture, which can soften them too much.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! The bright pink color and cherry flavor make these cookies festive and perfect for gifting occasions, especially when dressed up with a pretty box or wrapping. Just remind recipients to store them properly for best results!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe enough for anyone who loves a playful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. The cherry-chocolate combo with that gorgeous pink dough is simply irresistible and sure to impress both family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie to bake again and again!