These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate sweet treat for anyone who loves a soft, chewy cookie with a fun twist. I love how the buttery base melts together with bursts of juicy maraschino cherries and rich semisweet chocolate chips. Every bite gives me that nostalgic, homemade cookie comfort with an extra splash of fruity sweetness that takes it over the top. Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how easy these cookies are to make—no fancy steps or special tools required. The dough comes together quickly, and the cherries add a pop of flavor and color that makes every cookie feel a little festive. The balance between chocolate and cherry reminds me of a black forest dessert, but in cookie form. They’re perfect for bake sales, holidays, or just a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved (patted completely dry)
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and well-dried maraschino cherries.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: About 36 cookies

Variations

White Chocolate & Cherry: Swap the semisweet chips for white chocolate for a creamy contrast.
Black Forest Style: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts and use dark chocolate chunks.
Double Cherry Delight: Add ½ cup dried cherries for an extra cherry punch.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Brown Butter Twist: Brown the butter first for a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the cherry sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, I pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds—they taste freshly baked again, with the chocolate all warm and gooey.

FAQs

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

I make sure the butter isn’t too warm and the cherries are well dried. If the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes before baking helps keep the cookies nice and thick.

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?

I don’t recommend it. Fresh or frozen cherries have too much water, which can make the cookies soggy. Maraschino cherries hold their shape and flavor best in baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag. I can bake them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Do I have to use almond extract?

I prefer it because it enhances the cherry flavor beautifully. It doesn’t taste like almonds, but if I’m unsure, I start with ¼ teaspoon.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

I look for edges that are lightly golden and centers that still look soft. They’ll continue baking on the sheet after being removed from the oven, giving me that perfect chewy texture.

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a burst of fun, nostalgia, and creativity in every bite. I love how the cherries brighten up a classic cookie and add a unique twist that always surprises people. Whether I bake them for a holiday gathering or just a quiet night at home, they never fail to bring smiles. It’s proof that even a small “what if we tried this?” moment in the kitchen can lead to something unforgettable.