Cherry Chocolate Delight

Featured in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Blend butter with sugars, stir in eggs and vanilla, fold in cherries and chocolate, then bake until golden brown.
Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:03:45 GMT
Warm cherry chocolate cookies featuring bright cherries and melty chocolate chips. Pin it
Warm cherry chocolate cookies featuring bright cherries and melty chocolate chips. | cookwithcarla.com

Take your cookie skills up a notch with these mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies stuffed with maraschino cherries. They blend homey comfort with a touch of sophistication. Every mouthful delivers the perfect mix of soft cookie, chocolate goodness, and juicy cherries for a treat you won't forget. The bright red cherry pieces scattered among the dark chocolate bits make these cookies look as good as they taste.

When I first made these cookies, my kitchen smelled like butter and cherries, reminding me of going to Italian bakeries as a kid. These days I can't show up at a cookie swap without bringing them.

Key Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: Make sure it's soft for better mixing
  • Maraschino cherries: Dry them completely to stop color bleeding
  • Quality chocolate chips: Good ones keep their form while they bake
  • Real vanilla extract: Brings out all the flavors
  • New baking soda: Helps cookies rise and get the right texture

Baking Steps

Get The Foundation Right
  • Whip butter with sugars until it's fluffy for the best texture.
Create The Framework
  • Add eggs one by one to mix them in properly.
Mix Gently
  • Add dry stuff slowly so cookies don't get tough.
Include The Highlights
  • Stir in cherries and chocolate chips carefully to keep them intact.
Form With Care
  • Make all cookies the same size so they bake evenly.
Watch The Clock
  • Look for golden edges but make sure centers stay soft.

My grandma always made me pat the cherries between paper towels until they were completely dry before chopping them up. It's worth the extra time because it stops the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

A tempting display of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, featuring a blend of sweet cherries and rich chocolate in each cookie. Pin it
A tempting display of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, featuring a blend of sweet cherries and rich chocolate in each cookie. | cookwithcarla.com

Tasty Combinations

Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. For something fancy, sandwich some vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies.

Fun Twists

Switch to dark chocolate chips for richer flavor, or throw in some white chocolate for extra sweetness. You can also add some toasted almonds if you want a nice crunch.

Keeping Them Fresh

Store your cookies in an airtight container and they'll stay good for up to a week. Put parchment paper between layers so they don't stick together.

A close-up of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies. Pin it
A close-up of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies. | cookwithcarla.com

Final Thoughts

These cherry-filled cookies have become the treat everyone asks me to bring to parties. The mix of soft cookie, rich chocolate and sweet cherries makes something really special that fits any occasion. Just remember, while they're pretty simple to make, it's the little details that turn basic ingredients into amazing treats worth remembering.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and swap dairy-free chocolate chips.
→ No maraschino cherries? Alternatives?
Dried cherries or even cranberries work great for a similar fruity touch.
→ What's the best way to keep leftovers fresh?
Keep them in a lidded container at room temperature for up to five days.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freeze dough balls on a tray, then store them in a bag. Bake straight from the freezer with an extra couple of minutes.
→ Is whole wheat flour okay to use?
Sure! Replace half the regular flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and a little more fiber.

Cherry-Chocolate Treats

Brighten classic chocolate chip cookies with juicy maraschino cherries for flavor and color.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1 teaspoon baking soda
05 1 cup granulated sugar
06 2 large eggs
07 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and diced
08 1 cup packed brown sugar
09 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
10 1 cup softened unsalted butter

→ Possible Swaps

11 Switch to vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a non-dairy version.
12 Try using some whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a slightly nutty taste and more fiber.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Get some parchment paper onto the baking sheets so the cookies don't stick.

Step 02

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar for a few minutes until the texture is light and airy.

Step 03

Add one egg at a time to the butter mix, making sure it's completely mixed in before adding the next one. Then, pour in the vanilla and give it a good stir.

Step 04

In a different bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda. Slowly mix this into the bowl with the wet ingredients until it just comes together.

Step 05

Carefully stir in the diced cherries and chocolate chips, making sure they're spread throughout the dough evenly.

Step 06

Scoop out about 1–2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and drop them onto the lined baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each one.

Step 07

Cook the cookies in the oven for 10–12 minutes until their edges are just turning golden, and the middles look set.

Step 08

Leave the cookies on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to cool, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Notes

  1. Use a cookie scoop to make sure each one is the same size.
  2. To add a unique flavor, include a tiny bit of almond extract along with the vanilla.
  3. Pair these cookies with coffee or cold milk for a comforting snack.

Tools You'll Need

  • Bowls for mixing
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Scooping tool (optional)
  • Cookie trays
  • Baking sheet liner or parchment

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy from butter and chocolate chips.
  • Use gluten-free flour and confirmed-safe chocolate chips for a gluten-free treat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 2 g