Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Jump to Recipe·4 from 41 reviews

There is something utterly magical about the combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate nestled inside a tender, buttery cookie. If you have a soft spot for classic chocolate chip cookies but crave a delightful twist, look no further than this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. The luscious maraschino cherries add a burst of color and tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the semi-sweet chocolate chips, resulting in a cookie that’s as delicious as it is charming. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies promise to become a beloved favorite in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a group of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with white all-purpose flour placed top left, next to a white bowl with light brown sugar on the top right. Below the flour, a small white bowl holds bright red maraschino cherries, while to its right a small white bowl contains a slab of pale yellow butter. Near the bottom right corner, a white bowl filled with mini chocolate chips is visible. A single egg rests in a red egg cup below the cherries, and nearby small glass bowls hold kosher salt and baking soda. A gold measuring spoon and an open small bottle of red gel food coloring are placed near the center, along with a small bottle of almond extract. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies might seem simple, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating their irresistible texture and taste. From the creamy butter that gives them richness to the maraschino cherry juice that infuses a subtle fruity note, every component counts.

1 cup butter, softened: Provides a rich, tender base that keeps the cookies moist and chewy.
1 cup light brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor and helps retain moisture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a perfect cookie crispness.
1 egg, large: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, inviting notes.
1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice: Infuses a subtle cherry essence that makes these cookies unique.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure that holds your delicious cookies together.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create a tender, soft crumb.
1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Provides just the right amount of lift for a light texture.
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Offers bursts of melty, chocolaty goodness in every bite.
1 cup chopped maraschino cherries: Adds chewy, fruity bursts that perfectly complement the chocolate.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the perfect baking temperature for even cooking and delightful golden edges. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is essential as it creates the perfect base for a soft and tender cookie.

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Cherry Juice

Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract along with the maraschino cherry juice. Continue beating until all these wet ingredients have combined into a luscious, velvety batter, packed with early hints of cherry flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix them into your wet ingredients using the electric mixer until a sticky dough forms. This mixture is where the texture magic happens, balancing chewiness and softness perfectly.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chopped Cherries

Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries by hand. This step ensures they’re evenly distributed, giving each cookie delightful pockets of chocolate and bursts of cherry to look forward to.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown while the centers remain soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them set without breaking apart. Then transfer them to parchment paper on the counter to cool completely. The aroma alone will have you reaching for one before they’re even fully cooled!

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A stack of six round cookies sits on a white marbled surface with light brown edges and a golden color, each cookie showing red and dark chocolate chip pieces spread inside the dough. Next to the stack are two more cookies lying flat, and in the background, a black baking tray holds more cookies slightly blurred. The cookies have a soft texture with small, scattered chunks of red and chocolate dots throughout, giving a colorful look to the warm golden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can take their presentation to the next level. A few extra halved maraschino cherries on top can also add visual appeal and a fresh pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or a cozy cup of tea to create a perfectly balanced treat. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a quick and delicious dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, stack the cookies with layers of whipped cream and fresh cherries to make an irresistible cookie parfait. Alternatively, sandwich a scoop of cherry or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich that will wow your friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Storing them this way helps preserve their soft texture while keeping the chocolate perfectly melty.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for fresh, warm cookies anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm after storage, pop them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or reheat briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. This small step revives the gooey chocolate and soft cherry bites, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries offer a wonderful natural flavor, they contain more moisture and may affect the cookie’s texture. Maraschino cherries are recommended for this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because they provide sweetness and chewiness without excess moisture.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is not necessary for this recipe thanks to the cornstarch and baking soda creating a tender texture. However, if you prefer thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key to the rich flavor and texture of these cookies. Using margarine or oil might alter the taste and cause spreading during baking. For best results, stick with softened unsalted butter.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and use parchment paper or silicone mats. Chilling the dough slightly can also help control spreading if you want thicker cookies.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?

Absolutely! Baked Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies freeze very well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment layers to prevent sticking. When ready, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie that’s bursting with vibrant flavor and heartwarming nostalgia, this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to classic. The delightful cherry twist on the beloved chocolate chip cookie adds just the right amount of fun and sophistication to your baking repertoire. Once you try these, sharing them will be a delicious and joyful tradition you’ll want to revisit time and time again.