Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 cup room temperature butter (or margarine for dairy-free); 1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for chewiness); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (opt for pure for best flavor); 1 teaspoon almond extract (can be omitted or replaced with more vanilla); a few drops pink food coloring (optional for festive appearance); 2 cups all-purpose flour (can swap for gluten-free flour); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (dark chocolate chips are an alternative); 1 cup maraschino cherries (well-drained or fresh cherries can be used)

Stumbling upon a gem like these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies feels like unearthing treasure during a weekend bake-off. The enchanting mix of sweet maraschino cherries and creamy chocolate not only elevates the classic cookie experience but also brings a pop of color to your festive celebrations. With their tender, thick texture, these cookies are perfect for sharing during Christmas and Valentine’s Day get-togethers, making them a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of friends and family. Whether you’re an aspiring home-chef or just looking to break free from the fast food rut, these cookies are destined to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire. Ready to indulge in a festive treat that’s simple and satisfying? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Try These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Unbeatable Flavor: The sweet maraschino cherries blend beautifully with rich chocolate chips, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.
Festive Appeal: With their vibrant pink hue, these cookies are not only delicious but visually stunning, making them perfect for Christmas and Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Simple Process: The straightforward method means even beginner bakers can create impressive results without a fuss.
Plenty to Share: These cookie gems are sure to please a crowd, making them ideal for gatherings or cookie exchanges. Plus, you can easily prepare a gluten-free version to accommodate all dietary needs by simply swapping in gluten-free flour.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pair with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat that everyone will love. Don’t miss out on adding these delightful Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies to your cookie roster!

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For the Batter
• Butter – Room temperature butter gives the cookies a creamy texture and structure; margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and a light, airy texture; for a chewier cookie, consider using brown sugar instead.
• Large Egg – Provides moisture and helps bind the mixture together; no egg substitute is noted.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor depth; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste experience.
• Almond Extract – Complements the cherry flavor beautifully; can be omitted or replaced with additional vanilla for nut-free baking.
• Pink Food Coloring – Adds a festive touch and enhances the vibrant appearance; it’s optional and based on your personal preference.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the cookie structure; easily swaps for gluten-free flour if needed.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring soft and fluffy cookies.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates overall flavor.

For the Mix-Ins
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Imparts rich sweetness; dark chocolate chips are a delightful alternative for a deeper flavor.
• Maraschino Cherries – Essential for that sweet cherry burst; make sure they are well-drained to prevent excess moisture, or fresh cherries can offer a more natural flavor in these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier, ensuring your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come out perfect every time!

Step 2: Cream the Ingredients
In a stand mixer, combine the room temperature butter and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. This air incorporation is vital for a soft texture, so keep an eye out for that creamy consistency before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the large egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and pink food coloring to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is smoothly incorporated—this should take about 1-2 minutes. The vibrant hues will enhance your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, making them festive and inviting.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually pour this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are just fine for soft, thick cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and finely chopped maraschino cherries using a spatula. This careful folding will ensure an even distribution of the sweet chocolate and cherry flavors throughout the cookie dough, setting the stage for irresistible Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 6: Portion the Dough
Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the dough balls 2-3 inches apart. This spacing is crucial as the cookies will spread while baking. Each scoop should look generous; you want thick cookies that maintain their soft texture.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-13 minutes. Watch for the edges to begin turning golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft—this is the perfect indicator of doneness for your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cookies set while still maintaining their soft, thick texture, making them absolutely delightful to enjoy fresh!

What to Serve with Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulging in these fruity and chocolatey delights is just the beginning; let’s explore what will complete your perfect dessert spread.

Cold Milk: Serves as the classic pairing that beautifully complements the sweetness while enhancing the cookie’s flavors. There’s nothing quite like a glass of refreshing milk to wash down these treats.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some creamy vanilla goodness to contrast the soft cookies. The warmth of the cookies combined with the cold ice cream creates a heavenly experience.
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a medley of strawberries and blueberries. The natural tartness of the berries wonderfully balances the sweetness of the cookies, adding a fresh twist.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the indulgent experience, making it an inviting option for afternoon gatherings. The rich flavors pair beautifully with the cookie’s chocolate chips.
Chocolate Fondue: For a decadent dessert moment, dip your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies into warm chocolate fondue. It amplifies the chocolatey flavor and makes for an interactive treat.
Holiday Punch: Light and fruity holiday punch brings a festive feel, perfect for celebrations. Its refreshing quality complements the cookies while adding a cheerful touch to your dessert table.
Cheesecake Bites: Consider matching with mini cheesecake bites for a touch of creaminess. The contrast in textures and flavors will elevate your dessert spread to a whole new level of delight.
Sugar Dusting: Before serving, dust your cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and an added touch of sweetness that invites everyone to grab one more.

How to Store and Freeze Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days to maintain their soft texture and delectable flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer; they can last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or microwave briefly.

Raw Dough Freezing: You can also freeze the cookie dough! Scoop portions onto a sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To revive your cookies, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, allowing the chocolate to soften again while keeping the cookies tender and delightful.

Expert Tips for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Well-Drained Cherries: Ensure maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which can make the cookies too cakey.

• Creaming Technique: Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy; this step incorporates air for soft, melt-in-your-mouth Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

• Chill If Needed: If the cookie dough feels too wet, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape and texture.

• Baking Time Watch: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; once the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly soft, they’re ready to come out!

• Storage Tips: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness, where they’ll last for 3-5 days.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore your creativity with these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies and make them your own!

Nut-Free: Substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract to keep the flavor profile and ensure no nut allergies are triggered.
Nut allergies shouldn’t keep anyone from enjoying these delightful cookies!
Fresh Cherry Twist: Use fresh cherries instead of maraschino for a vibrant, natural taste that brightens each cookie bite.
Fresh cherries infuse a seasonal burst of flavor that elevates your cookies to a whole new level!
Gluten-Free Delight: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a deliciously soft, gluten-free version of these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Your gluten-sensitive friends won’t have to miss out on these tasty treats during holiday gatherings.
Chocolate Lovers: Opt for dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chips to add a deeper, richer chocolate flavor to your cookies.
This twist creates a decadently sweet combo that chocolate lovers will adore!
Extra Sweetness: Mix in a handful of white chocolate chips to add a creamy sweetness that beautifully complements the cherries.
This creates a luscious layer of flavor, turning your cookies into a sweet masterpiece.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough for an unexpected warmth that livens up the classic flavor.
The spice will surprise and delight your taste buds, making these cookies even more memorable!
Fun Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top for an eye-catching finish that enhances their holiday appeal.
It adds a playful touch that will have everyone reaching for seconds during celebrations!
Fruity Upgrades: Incorporate other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture and a flavor blend that’s uniquely yours.
This simple addition makes every bite a delightful adventure in flavor, perfect for cookie exchanges!

If you’re looking for more delicious cookie ideas, check out these Chocolate Chip Cookies or try my holiday-inspired Valentine Ganache Cookies. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; just scoop the cookie dough onto baking sheets and cover them with plastic wrap before refrigerating. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply adjust your baking time (add a couple of minutes if baking from frozen). This way, you’ll have fresh, warm cookies ready to enjoy with minimal effort! Just remember to let them cool slightly before indulging for the best texture and flavor.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for ones that are vibrant in color and free from dark spots. They should be well-drained and ideally patted dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the cookie texture. If you prefer a more natural flavor, consider using fresh cherries when in season!

What’s the best way to store these cookies?
For optimum freshness, store your baked Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay delightful and soft for up to 3-5 days. If you want them to last longer, placing parchment paper between layers of cookies can help prevent sticking.

Can I freeze the dough for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing the cookie dough is a fantastic way to prepare ahead. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

What if my cookie dough seems too wet?
Very good question! If your dough appears too wet, simply add one tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Another trick is to refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and gives them a great texture.

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, definitely! If you want to make these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies nut-free, just omit the almond extract and replace it with additional vanilla extract. This will maintain the cookie’s rich flavor without introducing allergens, making them suitable for everyone!

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
To tell if your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfectly baked, look for slightly golden edges while the centers should still appear soft and puffy. This usually takes about 12-13 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks helps them set beautifully!