Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); ½ cup white granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice from jar; Pink gel food coloring (a few drops); 1 ½ – 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

If you’re craving something that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with rich chocolate, you’ve just found it in this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful twist on your classic chocolate chip cookie, bursting with the tart juiciness of maraschino cherries and the comforting melt of semi-sweet chocolate chips in every bite. With a soft, slightly chewy texture and a subtle pop of pink color, they’re not only delicious but also incredibly inviting to look at. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe brings a splash of joy to your cookie jar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface includes a stick of unsalted butter in its wrapper in the top left corner, a white bowl filled with granulated sugar just right of the butter, and a small white bowl containing dark chocolate chips below the sugar. Nearby, in the center, a white bowl holds white flour, with another white bowl filled with light brown sugar directly below it. To the right of the flour, a scalloped white bowl contains bright red chopped cherries, with a whole white egg beside it. In the bottom left corner, a small paint jar and a white container of red food coloring sit next to each other. On the bottom right side, three small white bowls hold salt, baking soda, and another fine white ingredient, completing the orderly and colorful collection of baking components. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that adds richness to the burst of cherry juice that brightens the flavor and the flour that gives structure and texture. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few cherry-centric ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of these irresistible cookies.

Unsalted butter (¼ cup, room temperature): Provides a creamy base and tender crumb without adding extra saltiness.
White granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with spreading and crisping the cookies’ edges.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Lends moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for chewiness.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor depth and aroma.
Maraschino cherry juice (1 teaspoon): Infuses a bright cherry note and vibrant hue.
Pink gel food coloring: Optional fun twist to make the dough visually pop with color.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ – 2 cups): The foundation that builds cookie texture and stability.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Chopped maraschino cherries (1 cup): Delivers bursts of intense cherry flavor in every bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Offers classic melty richness that pairs perfectly with the cherries.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Set your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes sure your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan easily, preventing any sticking or burning.

Step 2: Cream Sugars and Butter

Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming step is important for incorporating air, which results in a lighter texture for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These ingredients help bind your dough and contribute to that classic cookie flavor we all love.

Step 4: Mix Cherry Juice and Food Coloring

Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the maraschino cherry juice and a touch of pink gel food coloring. Stir gently until the dough is evenly tinted and infused with that lovely cherry essence, adding not just flavor but a unique visual charm.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and seasonings are evenly dispersed so your cookies bake uniformly.

Step 6: Incorporate Flour Mixture

Add 1 ½ cups of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed. The dough will be slightly sticky from all the cherry syrup but manageable. If it’s too loose, gradually add up to ½ cup more flour until it’s easy to scoop and roll.

Step 7: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips into the dough. This ensures every cookie is studded with generous pockets of cherry sweetness and melty chocolate.

Step 8: Scoop and Bake

Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop out even-sized balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops look set but still soft and the edges are just starting to turn a golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer your fresh cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before indulging. This cooling step lets the cookies set, making them easier to handle and letting the flavors truly shine.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds pink cookie dough mixed with red chunks and dark brown chocolate pieces evenly spread throughout. A black spatula with a long handle rests inside the bowl, partially covered with dough. The dough has a soft, creamy texture with the red and brown pieces adding rough spots. The bowl is round and transparent, showing the dough from all sides. The overall scene looks clean and bright. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra charm, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle a few finely chopped maraschino cherries on top right after baking while they’re still warm. This adds an inviting glossy finish and enhances their fruity appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop, or even a cup of rich hot chocolate. The cool dairy complements the warmth and sweetness of the cookies beautifully and makes snack time feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special occasions, arrange the cookies in a festive tin with tissue paper or layer them between parchment sheets in a decorative box. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a cherry-flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. The airtight seal helps retain moisture while preventing them from becoming stale.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze fully baked cookies in a sealed container. Dough can last up to 3 months in the freezer, while baked cookies stay delicious for about a month. Thaw refrigerated cookies at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them briefly in a low oven (around 300 degrees) for 5 minutes to bring back their fresh-out-of-the-oven softness. Just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they lack the sweetness and syrupy juice of maraschino cherries, which contribute significantly to the flavor and texture of these cookies. You might want to add some cherry syrup or adjust sugar levels if you go fresh.

Is the pink food coloring necessary?

Nope! The food coloring is optional and purely for fun. The cookies will still taste amazing without it, just without that pretty pink hue that makes them extra festive.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate chips will create a sweeter cookie, while dark chocolate chips will add a slight bitterness that balances the cherry nicely. Feel free to choose according to your taste preference.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice?

If you don’t have the juice, you can omit it or substitute with a teaspoon of cherry extract mixed with a bit of water or syrup. The juice adds moisture and subtle cherry flavor, so removing it might change the intensity slightly.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for cookies that have firmed up on top, no longer shiny, with slightly golden edges. They might be soft in the middle, but they will set as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this wonderful Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, you’re ready to bring a fresh, fantastic flavor to your baking routine. These cookies marry tart, sweet cherries with rich chocolate and a tender crumb that just begs for sharing. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, baking these cookies is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Give it a go and enjoy every delicious bite!