As I stood over the mixing bowl, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the vibrant colors and flavors of the ingredients coming together. Let me introduce you to my new obsession: Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies You’ll Crave Daily. These delightful cookies bring a joyous twist to the classic chocolate chip with the addition of sweet, juicy maraschino cherries. The best part? They’re not just delicious; they’re incredibly quick to make, taking only 40 minutes from prep to plate. Perfect for any occasion, these nut-free treats are accessible for bakers of all levels and are easily customizable for gluten-free or vegan diets. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or reward yourself with something special, these cookies will certainly satisfy that craving. What flavors do you think would play along beautifully with cherries?
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Delightful Twists: Each bite of these cookies is a celebration, with sweet maraschino cherries adding a refreshing punch to the rich chocolate flavor.
Quick to Make: In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a batch that will impress friends and family alike!
Customizable Options: Totally nut-free and easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets. It’s that versatile!
Textural Bliss: Enjoy the satisfying chewiness paired with bursts of juicy cherries and melting chocolate chips.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual gatherings to festive celebrations, these cookies fit right in. For a fun twist on traditional flavors, check out my Tiramisu Christmas Cookies or keep it classic with Chocolate Churro Cookies.
Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – Foundation for that perfect chewy texture; feel free to use a gluten-free blend for gluten-free cookies.
• Cornstarch – Helps create a softer cookie with a tender bite.
• Baking soda – Ensures cookies rise beautifully for a perfect bake.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Light brown sugar – Infuses a lovely caramel note that complements the chocolate.
• Granulated sugar – Provides a touch of sweetness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Large eggs – Act as the binding agent for a delightful chewy cookie.
• Vanilla extract – Offers warmth and depth of flavor to make every bite blissful.
• Almond extract – Enhances overall flavor with a nutty hint; optional if you’re avoiding nuts.
• Pink gel food coloring – Adds a cheerful pop of color, making the cookies even more inviting; optional.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The star of the show that pairs beautifully with cherries.
• Maraschino cherries – Drained and finely chopped for juicy sweetness in every bite; choose plump, glossy cherries for the best flavor.
Note: These ingredients come together to create the Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies you’ll crave daily!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies You’ll Crave Daily
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies don’t stick during baking. This simple step prepares your workspace for an easy clean-up later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This combination creates the perfect base for your cookies. Set the bowl aside for now, allowing the flavors and textures to mingle before the magic begins.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of light brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Cream these together for about 2 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This crucial step adds richness and texture to your Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth, cohesive batter. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a touch of pink gel food coloring for a vibrant pop!
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture from Step 2 to the wet batter, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft, tender dough for your cookies. The fragrant aroma will start to fill your kitchen as the ingredients come together harmoniously.
Step 6: Add the Cherries and Chocolate
Once your dough is ready, gently fold in 1 cup of finely chopped maraschino cherries and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This step ensures that every bite of your cookies contains those delightful bursts of cherry sweetness combined with rich chocolate. Make sure these goodies are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough into golf ball-sized portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. For an added touch, press extra chocolate chips and cherries on top of each ball of dough to create a beautiful presentation before baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes, watching for them to be just set but still soft in the center. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the middle remains tender. The warm, inviting scent of your Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies will have everyone eagerly waiting!
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them set perfectly while maintaining that lovely chewy texture. You can’t rush greatness—let them cool just a bit before indulging!
Step 10: Store or Serve
Once cooled, enjoy your delicious cookies right away or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. These Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a well-deserved treat for yourself!
What to Serve with Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Bring warmth and joy to your dessert table by exploring these delightful pairings that enhance the flavors of your heavenly cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice, the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the chewy texture and fruity notes of the cookies.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of mixed berries adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the maraschino cherries.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Rich and indulgent, a chocolate milkshake pairs wonderfully, enhancing the chocolate flavor and making every bite even more decadent.
- Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors in coffee create a wonderful harmony with the sweetness of the cookies, making it a great afternoon treat.
- Sweet Lemonade: A cool, zesty lemonade offers a bright touch that cuts through the richness, refreshing your palate after each delightful bite.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats echo the cookies’ texture while adding a tropical twist that enhances your dessert experience.
- Brownie Sundae: For the ultimate dessert lover, combine warm brownies topped with ice cream and your maraschino cherry cookies for a delightful extravaganza.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: The refreshing mint flavor pairs beautifully, accentuating the cherry flavors while creating a delightful sensory experience.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over your cookies or serve on the side for dipping to add a rich, buttery touch that elevates the dessert to new heights.
- Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea serves as a soothing finish to your cookie experience, allowing the sweet flavors to linger with a comforting warmth.
Tips for the Best Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and helps cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep a watchful eye on the baking time; cookies should be just set and soft in the center for that delightful chewy texture.
Sticky Dough Fix: If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add flour—one tablespoon at a time—until it’s manageable. This helps in shaping perfect cookies.
Use Quality Cherries: Selecting plump, glossy maraschino cherries ensures juicy bursts of flavor in every bite of your Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
Add a Twist: Try incorporating orange zest or a bit of peppermint extract for a unique flavor twist that elevates your cookie game!
Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations
Feel free to play around and add your personal touch to these delightful cookies!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to enjoy a scrumptious treat without worry.
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use flax eggs as a wonderful egg substitute.
- Flavor Enhancements: Brighten things up by adding orange zest, or if you’re craving crunch, toss in some nuts!
- Minty Twist: For a refreshing take, include peppermint extract for a seasonal cookie sensation that’ll impress your guests.
- Add Spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the cookie flavors with warm, spicy notes.
- Dried Fruit: Replace cherries with dried cranberries or apricots for a chewier texture and complex flavor profile.
- Chocolate Mix: Experiment with white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for a delightful twist on the classic chocolate pairing!
- Color Pop: Use vibrant gel food coloring to match your holiday theme, making these cookies not only taste great but look dazzling, too!
These variations invite creativity each time you bake. Once you get comfortable with the basics, why not explore new flavor profiles with recipes like my Christmas Mini Cookies? Let your kitchen be your canvas!
Make Ahead Options
These Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply chill the dough in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. For even longer storage, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, take the frozen dough out and let it sit for about 10 minutes, then bake as directed. This way, you’ll have warm, delicious cookies on the table with minimal effort! Just remember, don’t overbake to keep them soft and chewy—your family will love you for it!
How to Store and Freeze Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing Dough: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Baking from Frozen: Bake cookies directly from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time for your irresistible maraschino cherry cookies!
Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for plump, glossy maraschino cherries that are bright in color. These qualities indicate freshness and sweetness, providing delightful bursts in your cookies. Avoid any that show dark spots or look dull, as they may not offer the same juicy flavor.
What is the best way to store my Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying those delicious treats!
Can I freeze the Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, first, ensure they’re fully cool. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, it’s easy to fix. Gradually add flour—about one tablespoon at a time—mixing until it reaches a manageable consistency. This will allow you to shape your cookies perfectly without losing that chewy texture.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, indeed! These Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies are nut-free, making them a great option for those with nut allergies. If you’re also looking for flavors that could be customized further for dietary needs, just let me know!
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Definitely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Alternatively, freeze unbaked dough balls for future baking. Just scoop them onto a baking sheet, freeze for about an hour, then transfer to an airtight container. They will be ready to bake from frozen with just a bit more time in the oven!
Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cookies You'll Crave Daily
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. Optionally add pink gel food coloring.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients from the previous step until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Scoop golf ball-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, enjoy or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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