How to Make the Best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Ever Taste

Maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies aren’t just cookies—they’re the kind of treat that sparks memories, brightens dessert tables, and turns simple baking into something a little magical. From the moment you open that jar of cherries to the final pink-flecked bite, these cookies deliver on every level—soft, chewy, rich, and irresistibly charming.

The inspiration for this recipe actually came from one of our longtime readers who shared her story on our About page. She described her grandmother’s tradition of baking a special pink cookie every year at Christmas. It had melty chocolate, bursts of cherry, and a color so cheerful, it made the whole kitchen feel like a celebration. That heartfelt memory led us to craft our own version—a cookie that’s now become one of the most popular treats on Cooking Flash.

And we get it—the combination of chocolate chips and maraschino cherries sounds bold. But after just one bite, you’ll understand why people keep coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, prepping for a bake sale, or simply craving something unique, this recipe is the one you’ll want to bookmark.

Don’t miss our lemon coconut cheesecake cookies for another soft, flavorful twist that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.

Let’s get into the sweet details that make these cookies unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Story Behind Our Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

How Our About Page Recipe Origin Became a Family Tradition

Years ago, a visitor to our About page messaged us with a short but sweet story. She described a cookie her grandmother used to bake every December—bright pink, dotted with gooey chocolate, and fragrant with almond. The magic ingredient? A jar of humble maraschino cherries. That email inspired a full-blown kitchen experiment here at Cooking Flash, leading us to perfect what we now proudly call our maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies recipe.

What started as a one-time holiday trial turned into an internet sensation. And yes, these were directly inspired by the maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies recipes by Clare and other beloved family favorites passed down through generations.

Don’t miss our buttery coconut oatmeal cookies if you love old-school comfort in cookie form.

What Makes These the Best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?

There’s a reason why people say these are the best maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies they’ve ever baked. It’s not just the flavor—it’s the balance. The chewy texture from cornstarch, the buttery richness, the slight tang from cherries, and the hint of almond come together in each bite. Plus, the cookies stay soft for days, making them perfect for holidays, gift boxes, or freezing for later.

We even tested variations like dried cherry chocolate chip cookies and maraschino cherry chocolate chip shortbread cookies, but none held a candle to the original. The secret? Drain those cherries well, chop them finely, and don’t skip that tiny drop of almond extract.

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Ingredients That Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Irresistible

Why Maraschino Cherries Make These Cookies Pop

Let’s talk about the star ingredient—maraschino cherries. These sweet, jewel-toned cherries do more than add color. They bring a bright, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of butter and sugar, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

In this recipe, we drain and finely chop the cherries, which helps distribute their juicy flavor throughout the dough. Be sure to blot them well with paper towels to avoid overly wet cookies. It’s tempting to skip that step, but trust us—too much moisture can ruin the texture.

We’ve tried alternatives like dried cherry chocolate chip cookies, but nothing beats the chewy, sweet-tart finish that maraschino cherries deliver. And when chopped small, they blend seamlessly into the pink-hued dough without overpowering each bite.

These cookies also fit beautifully into festive baking themes, especially around the holidays. People often search for maraschino cherry cookies Christmas ideas, and this recipe makes a picture-perfect addition to any dessert tray.

Looking for a tangier twist? Check out our lemon jam recipe to pair with your cookie gift baskets.

The Sweet Science of Butter, Chocolate, and Extracts

The foundation of these cookies lies in a classic trio: butter, chocolate chips, and extract flavoring. But it’s not just about tossing everything in a bowl. Each ingredient plays a role in building that rich, crave-worthy flavor.

• Unsalted butter, when creamed with brown and white sugar, adds structure and richness. It’s what gives the cookie that soft, chewy center and golden edges.
• Light brown sugar brings a deep, almost caramel note, while granulated sugar sharpens the sweetness just enough to balance the cherries.
• And then there’s the almond extract—the secret weapon. Just a drop enhances the cherry flavor in a way that vanilla alone can’t.
• Don’t forget the vanilla extract either; it rounds out the flavor and helps marry the cherries and chocolate together.

As for chocolate chips, we use semi-sweet, but feel free to experiment. Some bakers have found success swapping in white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier result. Whether you stick to the classic or add your own twist, the richness of chocolate paired with cherries creates pure cookie magic.

These flavor notes also help explain why so many call this the best maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies recipe around. Every ingredient has a job to do—and together, they deliver bakery-quality results at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

How to Prep, Mix, and Bake Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Like a Pro for Maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies

Baking maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies isn’t difficult, but a few key techniques can take your cookies from average to unforgettable. The magic starts with how you measure and combine the ingredients—especially the flour.

To avoid dry or dense cookies, measure your flour by weight (360g) using a kitchen scale. If you’re using cups, be sure to aerate the flour before spooning it into the cup and leveling it off with a knife. Never scoop straight from the bag or pack it down—that’ll lead to heavy, cakey dough.

Once your dry mix is set (flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt), move on to the wet ingredients. Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 minutes with a mixer on medium speed.

Then add in your eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The almond adds just a whisper of flavor that lifts the cherries to the next level. Now’s the time to stir in a bit of pink gel food coloring if you want that signature blush-pink cookie.

Mix in your dry ingredients slowly until a thick dough forms. Fold in your chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips by hand. The dough should be soft and full of color, with the cherries evenly distributed.

Shape into golf ball-sized dough balls, then press extra cherries and chocolate chips on top for that bakery-style finish.

Want a no-bake treat instead? Discover great ideas like our no-bake chocolate quinoa crunch clusters for quick snack wins.

Tips for Even Baking and Picture-Perfect Cookie Results

Getting your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies to bake evenly—and keep their pink color—comes down to timing and spacing.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Only bake one tray at a time for consistent heat circulation.
• Place just 8 cookies per sheet, leaving room for spreading.
• Bake regular-sized cookies (about 2 tablespoons of dough) for 10–13 minutes. The edges should be barely golden while the centers look slightly underbaked.

Resist the urge to overbake. If your cookies start to turn brown, the beautiful pink hue will be lost. Instead, pull them when they look slightly underdone—they’ll set perfectly as they cool.

Let them rest on the tray for 15 minutes before transferring. This keeps them soft and chewy and prevents breakage.

For fans of easy maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, this recipe is as straightforward as it is impressive. No complicated steps, just rich, flavorful results that always deliver.

Expert Baking Tips & Delicious Maraschino Cherry Cookie Variations

How to Make Your Cookies Soft, Chewy, and Bakery-Worthy Every Time

The charm of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies lies in their texture—soft in the middle, slightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with juicy cherry bits. But to nail that perfect bite, there are a few smart tricks seasoned bakers swear by.

1. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended):
If you want thicker cookies, pop your dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spread and intensifies flavor.

2. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Size:
Uniform size means even baking. A standard cookie scoop (about 2 tbsp) works best for regular-sized cookies.

3. Don’t Skip the Almond Extract:
A small amount of almond extract can make a world of difference. It’s the secret behind that nostalgic cherry-cookie flavor everyone remembers from childhood.

4. Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries on Top:
After shaping your cookie dough balls, gently press a few extra chocolate chips and cherry pieces onto the top. This gives them that irresistible bakery-style look and lets the key ingredients shine.

5. Avoid Overbaking:
Pull your cookies when they’re just slightly underdone in the center. They’ll finish cooking on the baking sheet and stay perfectly chewy.

These tips also make it easier to tweak the recipe based on your personal preferences—whether you want crisp edges, ultra-soft centers, or more cherry punch in every bite.

Don’t miss our crustless coconut pie if you’re into melt-in-your-mouth textures.

Fun Cookie Variations: From Clare’s Classic to Shortbread Spins

Once you’ve mastered the original recipe, it’s time to get creative. Here are a few delicious twists that fans of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies will love:

1. Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipes by Clare
Clare’s take on this classic features slightly less sugar and a buttery finish that leans closer to shortbread. Her version inspired many of the choices in this post—and helped launch the cherry-cookie craze online.

2. Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
Looking for a firmer, buttery alternative? Use a shortbread base by omitting eggs and reducing sugar. This version is denser and crumbly—perfect with tea or dipped in chocolate.

3. White Chocolate & Cherry Variation
Swap semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier profile that contrasts beautifully with the tartness of cherries.

4. Holiday Style Maraschino Cherry Cookies (Christmas Edition)
Roll dough in red or green sugar before baking to give your cookies a sparkly, holiday-ready look. These are a hit on cookie platters and make fantastic edible gifts.

No matter which route you go, you’re still sticking to the heart of what makes this recipe great: chewy cookies bursting with cherry flavor, balanced by chocolate and that hint of almond.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can You Freeze Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies? Absolutely. Here’s How.

If you’re wondering, “Can you freeze maraschino cherry cookies?” the answer is a firm yes—and it’s actually a smart idea. Freezing allows you to bake ahead for the holidays, store leftovers for later, or prep treats for unexpected guests.

Here’s how to freeze them the right way:

Option 1: Freeze Baked Cookies

1. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
2. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour (this prevents them from sticking).
3. Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container.
4. Label with the date—they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Option 2: Freeze the Dough

1. Roll the cookie dough into balls (with cherry and chocolate pieces on top).
2. Flash freeze on a tray for 30–60 minutes.
3. Store in a sealed bag or container. When ready to bake, pop them straight in the oven—just add 1–2 extra minutes of bake time.

No matter which route you choose, you’ll preserve the cookie’s chewy texture and the vibrant cherry flavor. Just be sure to let baked cookies thaw at room temp for 30 minutes before serving.

Looking for more holiday-friendly bakes? Try our glazed fruitcake shortbread cookies—they also freeze beautifully and pair well with cherry-themed desserts.

How to Store Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies to Keep Them Fresh

If you’re not freezing, proper storage is key to maintaining the cookies’ signature texture—soft, chewy, and moist with bursts of cherry.

For Short-Term Storage (Up to 5 Days):

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature
• Place a slice of white bread in the container to maintain softness
• Keep away from heat or direct sunlight to prevent discoloration

For Longer Freshness (5–10 Days):

• Refrigerate in a sealed container
• Let come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture

And yes, maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies still look and taste great after a few days—especially if you include the extra cherry pieces and avoid overbaking.

These cookies are also ideal for cookie exchanges, bake sales, or packaging up as homemade gifts. Just tuck them into cellophane bags or cookie tins with a festive ribbon and you’re set.

Festive and Holiday Versions of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Maraschino Cherry Cookies for Christmas and Beyond

It’s no surprise that maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies have become a holiday classic. The vibrant pink color, the pops of red cherry, and the indulgent chocolate make these cookies a perfect addition to Christmas dessert tables and winter celebrations.

To make them even more holiday-ready, here are a few festive upgrades:

• Roll the dough balls in red or green sanding sugar before baking for sparkle and color.
• Use holiday-themed chocolate chips (like red-and-green M&M’s or peppermint chips) for a seasonal twist.
• Add white chocolate drizzle on top after cooling for a frosty finish.
• Press a whole maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie before baking for a decorative, candy-like touch.

These cookies not only taste great, they look stunning on cookie platters or wrapped in gift tins. If you’re prepping for a cookie exchange, these are the ones people will ask for year after year.

Planning your holiday baking lineup? Don’t miss our strawberry crunch cheesecake chunks—they’re just as colorful and festive.

Gift-Worthy Cookie Ideas: Sweet Moments, Wrapped in Pink

Homemade cookies make the best gifts—and these beauties are gift-ready without much effort. Their unique color and flavor stand out from traditional sugar or gingerbread cookies, making them memorable and meaningful.

Here’s how to turn your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies into crowd-pleasing gifts:

• Cookie Jars: Layer the dry ingredients in a mason jar and tie it off with baking instructions for a DIY cookie mix.
• Cellophane Packs: Stack 4–6 cookies and wrap them in clear bags with cherry-themed tags.
• Holiday Tins: Line tins with parchment paper and fill with an assortment that includes these, along with options like classic sugar cookies or shortbreads.

These cookies also make great treats for teachers, coworkers, neighbors, or last-minute guests. They’re sweet, personal, and always appreciated.

Whether you’re making maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because—it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, one bite at a time.

What People Also Search For – Delicious Cherry Cookie Alternatives

Dried Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies vs. Maraschino: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to cherry-infused cookies, one of the most common searches we see is for dried cherry chocolate chip cookies. While both versions pack that irresistible cherry-and-chocolate combo, the texture and flavor are completely different.

Dried cherries offer a chewier, slightly tart flavor profile, often making cookies feel more gourmet or rustic. They’re less sweet than maraschino cherries and pair nicely with dark chocolate or oatmeal bases.

On the flip side, maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies lean into sweetness, color, and softness. They’re more playful, colorful, and ideal for festive occasions. Want that bright pink color and classic dessert flavor? Stick with maraschino. Craving a grown-up twist? Try dried cherries.

You can even combine the two for a bold cherry duo that balances tart and sweet!

If you’re a fan of this pairing, you might also love our dark chocolate raspberry bars for that same fruit-meets-chocolate indulgence.

Other Popular Cherry Cookie Searches You’ll Want to Explore

The love for cherry and chocolate doesn’t stop at just one style. In fact, home bakers search for all kinds of related recipes, and many of them stem from the same idea: cherry + chocolate = perfection.

Here are some of the top “People Also Search For” queries and how they compare:

• Best cherry chocolate chip cookies recipe: Many of these use fresh or frozen cherries, but the results are often messier than the structured bite you get with maraschino cherries.
• Easy maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies: This article’s recipe is as easy as it gets—no chilling required, minimal steps, and beginner-friendly.
• Maraschino cherry chocolate chip shortbread cookies: These cookies use more butter and less sugar, giving you a denser, crumbly cookie perfect for tea time.
• Maraschino cherry cookies Christmas: A highly seasonal search. Our base recipe can be customized for the holidays with colored sugar, festive sprinkles, or themed cookie cutters.

What makes our take stand out from the rest is the soft-baked texture, rich chocolate flavor, and that signature cherry burst in every bite. And you don’t need any special equipment or fancy techniques to make them.

In short, you’ve got options—but if you’re here for flavor, ease, and those dreamy pink cookies everyone raves about, you’re already in the right place.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

How to Serve These Cookies at Parties, Bake Sales & Special Events

If you’ve baked a batch of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, the next step is serving them up in a way that makes people want seconds (and thirds). Thanks to their eye-catching pink hue and chewy chocolate-studded texture, these cookies are naturally show-stoppers at any event.

Here’s how to level up your cookie presentation:

• Party Platters: Arrange them with an assortment of chocolate chip, sugar, and shortbread cookies to offer variety. Add fresh cherries or chocolate chunks as garnish.
• Themed Events: Use heart-shaped cookie cutters for Valentine’s Day or flower shapes for spring events. These cookies hold their shape well if chilled slightly before cutting and baking.
• Bake Sales: Stack in clear treat bags tied with pink ribbon and a tag labeled “Cherry Chocolate Bliss.” They’ll fly off the table.
• Cookie Jars for Gifts: Layer these with mini chocolate chip cookies and marshmallows for a color-contrasting gift that pops visually.

And if you’re going big—holiday open houses, family reunions, potlucks—double the recipe. One batch is never enough!

Check out our cookie butter blondies for another bake sale winner with crowd-pleasing flavors.

Drinks and Desserts That Pair Perfectly with Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies and milk are a classic combo, sure—but these maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies open the door to a world of creative pairings.

Drinks That Work Beautifully:

• Almond milk – enhances the almond extract notes in the cookies
• Espresso or strong coffee – balances the cookie’s sweetness
• Cherry soda or cream soda – nostalgic and fun for kids’ parties
• Champagne or rosé wine – turns dessert into a celebration (yes, really)

Dessert Combos for a Cookie Bar or Table:

• Chocolate fondue – serve cookies for dipping alongside fruit and pretzels
• Mini cheesecakes – especially cherry or white chocolate flavored
• Ice cream sandwiches – use two cookies with vanilla or cherry ice cream
• Layered dessert jars – crumble cookies over whipped cream and mousse

When served alongside the right treats or drinks, your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies can become the centerpiece of the entire dessert experience.

Whether it’s for birthdays, bridal showers, Christmas cookie swaps, or cozy weeknights, there’s always a good reason to serve these cookies with flair.

Solving Common Problems When Baking Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Losing That Signature Pink Color? Here’s Why It Happens

So, you followed the recipe, popped your cookies in the oven—and they came out more golden brown than pretty pink. We’ve all been there. When baking maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, color preservation is just as important as taste. Here’s why your cookies may not look the way you imagined:

1. The Oven Is Too Hot or You Baked Too Long
The number one reason your cookies lose their pink hue? Excessive heat. Even a few extra minutes can cause browning, especially along the edges. Set your oven to 350°F and always bake in the middle rack for the most even temperature. Check them at 10 minutes, and don’t wait for the tops to firm up—they’ll finish baking on the tray.

2. Not Using the Right Food Coloring
Liquid food coloring fades fast when exposed to heat. For cookies that stay blush-pink after baking, go with gel food coloring. It’s more pigmented and holds its color even in high-heat environments.

3. Using Dark Baking Sheets
Believe it or not, darker cookie sheets absorb more heat and lead to quicker browning. Stick to light-colored baking pans or line them with parchment or a silicone mat.

If vibrant presentation is important (think holiday cookie trays or bake sale goods), these tips help keep your cookies as visually striking as they are tasty.

Want a vibrant dessert with a similar cherry twist? Don’t miss our strawberry crunch cheesecake chunks for another colorful crowd-pleaser.

Cookie Texture Not Quite Right? Try These Quick Fixes

Even experienced bakers run into occasional hiccups with cookies. If your batch of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies didn’t bake up exactly how you expected, there’s usually a simple reason behind it—and an even simpler fix.

Your Cookies Spread Too Much:

• Was your butter too soft or melted? Start with cool room temperature butter and chill your dough if needed.
• Overmixing can also break down the structure—stir until just combined.

Your Cookies Are Too Thick or Dry:

• You might’ve used too much flour. Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag. Instead, spoon and level, or weigh it on a scale.
• Skimping on the brown sugar can also change the texture—it adds moisture and softness.

Cookies Falling Apart After Baking:

• This usually means your cherries weren’t properly drained. Let chopped maraschino cherries sit on a paper towel to soak up excess juice before adding them to the dough.
• Also, give cookies time to rest on the baking sheet before moving them. If you try too early, they’ll break apart.

The Flavor Feels Flat or Bland:

• Add a touch more almond extract if your cherries lack flavor intensity. Almond enhances the cherry notes and deepens the overall taste.
• Make sure you’re using real vanilla extract, not imitation—it makes a big difference in rich cookie doughs.

With a little adjustment, you’ll go from good to great in your next batch—and you’ll get all the flavor, texture, and color you expect from the perfect cookie.enjoy this recipe Maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies and tray this : Apple Pie Cookies

Watch How to Make Maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies