Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (1 stick, room temperature); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp almond extract; 1-2 drops pink food coloring; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¾ cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that balances rich sweetness with a touch of fruity brightness, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats combine the classic comfort of melty chocolate chips with the unexpected zing and color of maraschino cherries, creating a cookie that’s as charming to look at as it is to taste. Whether you pack them for a picnic, gift them to friends, or enjoy them fresh from the oven with a tall glass of milk, these cookies bring a burst of joy in every bite.

The image shows several round pink cookies with chocolate chips on top placed on a black wire cooling rack. The cookies have a soft, slightly rough texture with small red pieces inside. Around the cookies, bright red cherries with green stems are scattered, adding a fresh touch. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the cookies and cherries stand out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking these irresistible cookies. Each item plays an important role — from the creamy butter giving a tender texture, to the cherries adding moisture and vibrancy, and of course, the chocolate chips for that luscious melt-in-your-mouth hit.

Butter (½ cup, room temperature): Softened butter helps create a tender and rich cookie base.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with that slight crisp edge.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds a bit of richness to the dough.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Almond extract (¼ tsp): Just a touch brings a subtle nutty complexity to every bite.
Pink food coloring (1-2 drops): Adds a lovely blush hue to complement the cherries without overpowering flavor.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation for structure and chewiness in your cookies.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, airy crumb.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup): Brings that classic gooey chocolate goodness.
Maraschino cherries (¾ cup, drained and finely chopped): Adds fruity bursts of juicy sweetness and a festive pop of color.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining sheet trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to a soft, tender cookie because it incorporates air into the dough.

Step 3: Add Egg, Extracts, and Color

Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and pink food coloring. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing. The extracts add flavor depth, while the pink tint sets a festive tone without altering taste.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so a gentle touch here is your best friend.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries

Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and finely chopped maraschino cherries. These two treat partners bring both sweet and fruity flavors, plus textural surprises in every bite.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls about 2 to 3 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet. If you like, press a few extra chocolate chips on top for an inviting, chocolatey look. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms start to turn golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking tray for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven to help them set up. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll see why this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe quickly becomes a favorite once you experience their perfect balance of chewy and crisp textures.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for contrast. A few whole maraschino cherries pressed gently on top before baking also make them look stunning and invite sweet anticipation.

Side Dishes

These cookies are magical paired with a creamy cold glass of milk or a rich cup of hot coffee or tea. They also complement vanilla ice cream beautifully, turning your snack into an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with fresh cherries and chocolate shards for a stunning presentation at parties. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for an irresistible homemade gift that your loved ones will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, stacking them gently. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 to 5 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, and then transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits. Baked cookies also freeze well; wrap them in plastic wrap and place in a sealed container to hold freshness.

Reheating

To refresh chilled or frozen cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their softness and melts the chocolate chips slightly, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

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

Fresh cherries contain more moisture, which can affect the cookie texture. If you decide to use fresh cherries, be sure to finely chop and pat them dry to avoid overly wet dough.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

Almond extract adds a subtle nutty layer of flavor but is optional. You can either omit it or replace it with an additional half teaspoon of vanilla extract without drastically changing the taste.

How long can I store these cookies at room temperature?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 5 days. After that, they may begin to dry out, so freezing is a great option for longer storage.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax or chia egg in place of the large egg. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may slightly differ.

Why should I use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment?

The paddle attachment is perfect for creaming butter and sugar because it mixes ingredients while incorporating just the right amount of air, ensuring your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe turns out soft and tender every time.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a true delight that brings together the nostalgia of classic chocolate chip cookies and a playful burst of cherry sweetness. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how quickly these cookies become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy baking and even happier snacking!