Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (10-12 ounce) jar maraschino cherries; 2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 1 cup mini chocolate chips (full size or chunks can also be used)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 89 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and chocolaty in a cookie, then you are in for a real treat with this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies burst with juicy, finely chopped maraschino cherries that create little pockets of fruity delight paired with melty mini chocolate chips. With a soft, buttery texture and just the right balance of flavor, this recipe is one I find impossible to resist and one I know you’ll love sharing with friends and family as much as I do.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white dishes and bowls on a white marbled surface, each holding a different baking ingredient. Starting from the top left, there is a small round white bowl filled with bright red maraschino cherries. Next to it, in the middle top, is a white measuring cup filled with white all-purpose flour with a small scoop missing. On the top right is another white measuring cup full of fine white sugar. Below these, on the left side, two sticks of pale yellow butter wrapped in paper sit side by side. In the center is a small clear glass bowl of coarse white salt. On the bottom right, a white egg tray holds two white eggs, one in each slot. To the left of the egg tray, near the bottom, is a small clear round bowl filled with dark chocolate chips. Next to it is a small clear bowl with dark brown vanilla extract. At the bottom right corner, a metal measuring spoon labeled almond extract rests on the surface. A folded blue and white striped cloth napkin lies partially visible at the bottom left corner. Each ingredient is labeled clearly in black text above or beside the container. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe comes from using simple, everyday ingredients that each add a special element to the final cookie. The cherries bring a vibrant, juicy sweetness, the chocolate chips add indulgent melty pockets, and the vanilla and almond extracts provide a fragrant depth. These ingredients combine effortlessly to create irresistible cookies.

Maraschino cherries: Finely chopped and dried to prevent sogginess while adding a burst of cherry flavor.
All-purpose flour: The backbone that gives cookies structure and chewiness.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
Butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cookies tender and moist.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor booster that infuses warmth throughout.
Almond extract: A subtle nutty note that pairs perfectly with cherries.
Egg and egg yolk: Bind ingredients and add to the cookie’s chewy texture.
Mini chocolate chips: Small enough to evenly distribute, melting into every bite.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the cherries

Begin by draining all the juice from your maraschino cherries and finely chopping them. This chopping creates those delightful bursts of cherry that make these cookies special. After chopping, it’s crucial to pat and squeeze the cherries dry with paper towels to prevent your dough from becoming too wet. Place them to dry on another paper towel-covered plate while you prep the rest—it really helps keep the cookie texture just right.

Step 2: Preheat and prepare your baking space

Set your oven to 375° F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for cookie-baking success.

Step 3: Cream butter, sugar, and extracts

In a large bowl, beat your softened butter on medium speed until smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about two minutes and is key for light, tender cookies. Add sugar, vanilla, and almond extract next, and keep beating until the mixture is light and airy, which helps get those lovely cookie edges just right.

Step 4: Add eggs and dry ingredients

Mix in your egg and egg yolk gently on a low speed, just until combined. Then add your flour and salt, continuing to beat on low until everything comes together in a soft dough. Avoid overmixing here to maintain tender cookies.

Step 5: Incorporate cherries and chocolate chips

Stir in the finely chopped, dried cherries and mini chocolate chips carefully. These are the stars of the show, and folding them in evenly makes sure every cookie is studded with fruity and chocolaty goodness.

Step 6: Shape and bake

Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto your prepared baking sheet spaced about two inches apart. For a classic look, roll them into balls and gently flatten just slightly using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar—this gives you that perfect bakery cookie finish. Optionally, press a few extra chocolate chips on top for some visual drama. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely light brown. Let cool on the sheet for three minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows nine round cookies placed on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a light golden-baked dough base with scattered large dark brown chocolate chips, and bright red cherry pieces embedded throughout. The cookies have a slightly bumpy texture with the red cherries adding a rough and juicy look, and the chocolate chips creating smooth, shiny spots on the surface. The overall scene looks warm and fresh, with the cookies appearing soft yet firm. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming, delicate touch and brightens the deep colors of the cherries and chocolate. For a whimsical twist, sprinkle a few edible glitter flakes or add a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate on top to make these cookies party-ready.

Side Dishes

These cookies are heavenly alongside a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon. For a decadent dessert plate, pair them with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to balance the sweet and fruity flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these delightful cookies on a rustic wooden board decorated with fresh cherries or chocolate curls for a charming display at your next gathering. Another fun idea is to sandwich a dollop of cherry or chocolate frosting between two cookies for an irresistible treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies keep wonderfully at room temperature stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The cherries maintain their juiciness, and the cookies stay soft and flavorful, making them perfect for snacking any day.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a sealed bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed at room temperature while maintaining their classic texture and flavor.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly warm in a low-heat oven. The heat will soften the butter and melts the chocolate chips slightly, bringing back that irresistible homemade feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries in this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

Fresh cherries contain much more moisture than maraschino, which can lead to soggy dough and spreading cookies. If you want to use fresh cherries, be sure to pit and chop them finely, then dry them thoroughly to remove excess juice. However, maraschino cherries provide consistent sweetness and texture that works best in this recipe.

Are mini chocolate chips necessary for the best texture?

Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough, ensuring sweet pockets in every bite. You can use regular-sized chips if preferred, or even chocolate chunks for a chunkier experience, but mini chips give the best balance in these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe cookies.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter for a plant-based spread and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer instead of eggs. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly, but you can still enjoy a delicious cherry and chocolate cookie.

What is the best way to prevent cherry pieces from making the dough too wet?

Draining and patting the chopped cherries dry with paper towels before mixing is essential. Letting the cherries rest on paper towels after chopping helps absorb any extra moisture so that your dough remains firm and the cookies bake up beautifully.

Can these cookies be made larger or smaller than the recipe suggests?

Absolutely! The recipe yields 5 dozen small or about 30 larger cookies. Baking time will vary; smaller cookies bake faster (around 9 minutes), while larger ones need closer to 12 minutes. Just keep an eye on the edges for that light golden color.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is truly a celebration of flavor and texture, blending the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the rich comfort of chocolate chips in a tender, buttery cookie. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, these cookies bring a smile with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you just might find your new favorite cookie to bake and share!