Introduction

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with bright, juicy maraschino cherries. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and visually festive — perfect for gifting, parties, or a cozy bake at home.

Ingredients (about 24 cookies)

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 3/4 cup (120 g) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped & patted dry
• 1 cup (160 g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• Few drops red or pink food coloring (optional, for pink color)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Drain cherries well on paper towels and pat dry so they don’t add too much moisture to the dough.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes with a mixer).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Mix in vanilla and almond extract (if using). If using food coloring, add a few drops now and mix to reach desired color.
5. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Fold in chopped, dried maraschino cherries and chocolate chips gently.
8. Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons (or use a 1.5 tbsp cookie scoop) onto prepared sheets, spacing about 2″ apart.
9. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set and the centers look slightly soft — cookies will firm as they cool.
10. Cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Methods

• Standard bake: Makes soft-chewy cookies with lightly crisp edges.
• Chill the dough: 30–60 minutes in the fridge for thicker cookies and more concentrated flavor.
• Mini cookies: Use a teaspoon scoop and bake 8–9 minutes for bite-sized treats.

History

Chocolate chip cookies are an American classic invented in the 1930s. Adding cherries is a modern twist that borrows from classic cherry-chocolate pairings seen in cakes and confections, giving the cookie a bright, festive note.

Benefits

• Maraschino cherries add color and a fruity note without fresh-cherry prep.
• Easy to portion and share — great for parties and holiday platters.
• Customizable: swap chips for chunks, nuts, or white chocolate.

Formation (why they turn out soft & chewy)

Brown sugar and butter retain moisture while eggs provide structure. Short bake time and slight under-baking in the center keep the cookie soft. Patting cherries dry prevents excess moisture that could make cookies cakey.

Lovers

These cookies are loved by kids, holiday bakers, and anyone who enjoys chocolate with a fruity contrast. They’re especially popular around Valentine’s Day and Christmas for their color and charm.

Conclusion

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍒🍪 are an easy, festive upgrade to a favorite cookie. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bake a batch that’s chewy, flavorful, and picture-perfect for sharing.