Name: Maraschino Cherry Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (salted); ¾ cup white sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 36 maraschino cherries (quartered and eighthed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 64 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love a cookie that feels as luxurious as it tastes, you’re going to adore this Maraschino Cherry Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe. These soft, almond-kissed delights combine luscious maraschino cherries with creamy white chocolate chips to create a cookie that’s bursting with vibrant color and irresistible flavor. Perfectly balanced between chewy and tender, each bite promises a joyful surprise that makes your cookie cravings disappear in the best way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and dishes on a white marbled surface, each holding a different baking ingredient. In the center, a white bowl is full of shiny, bright red cherries. Surrounding it are small white bowls containing light brown sugar, white granulated sugar, white chocolate chips, and a mix of salt and baking soda. There are also two whole white eggs placed on the marble surface and two sticks of pale yellow butter standing upright in one of the bowls. A clear glass bowl filled with white flour is also partly visible on the left side. The scene is bright and clean with all items neatly arranged. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Maraschino Cherry Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe is both easy and rewarding because the ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. Each component plays a key role: the butter and sugars add sweetness and richness, the extracts lend a fragrant almond and vanilla warmth, and of course, those maraschino cherries and white chocolate chips bring that signature pop of taste and texture.

1 cup butter (salted): Creamy and rich, salted butter enhances flavor and softness in your cookies.
¾ cup white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that crisp edge.
½ cup brown sugar: Gives a subtle molasses depth, keeping the cookies moist and chewy.
2 eggs: Bind everything together while adding tenderness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Classic flavor that complements the almond beautifully.
1 teaspoon almond extract: Adds that special nutty aroma that elevates these cookies.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures a light, tender crumb.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
1 cup white chocolate chips: Creamy bursts of sweet softness that pair perfectly with the cherries.
36 maraschino cherries: The star ingredient, chopped just right to distribute flavor throughout.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cherries for Perfect Texture

Begin by chopping your maraschino cherries into a mix of quarters and eighths to give interesting chunks in each bite. Rolling them in a paper towel helps remove any excess moisture that could make the dough soggy, setting the foundation for perfectly textured cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together your softened butter with the white and brown sugars on high speed for about 2 minutes. This step whips in air, making your cookies light and tender. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure even mixing—it makes a big difference!

Step 3: Add the Flavorful Eggs and Extracts

Next up, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla and almond extracts, which bring that warm, inviting depth of flavor that whispers “homemade” in every bite. Beat everything for another minute until all is combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Carefully

Now, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add them to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing is the enemy of soft cookies! Keeping the dough tender is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and White Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the white chocolate chips with a spatula, making sure those bursts of flavor are evenly scattered throughout your dough without overworking it.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges set and the tops look matte and lightly golden. This quick bake time ensures your cookies stay soft with a slight chew and a perfectly tender crumb.

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe

The image shows small scoops of cookie dough placed evenly on a sheet of parchment paper. The dough is pale pink with bright red chunks of candied cherries mixed in. Each scoop also contains a few small, white chocolate chips that stand out against the pink dough. The texture looks soft and slightly rough, with each scoop having an irregular round shape. The background is a white marbled surface visible around the edges of the parchment paper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your cookies by adding a single maraschino cherry on top after baking or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. A drizzle of melted white chocolate can also create a beautiful finish for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee. The creamy white chocolate and almond notes complement creamy beverages wonderfully, making each bite even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside colorful garnishes like fresh mint or edible flowers to celebrate their beautiful red and white appeal. They’re also fantastic when stacked in a clear jar or wrapped as thoughtful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and tasty for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them any time without losing that freshly baked charm.

Freezing

This Maraschino Cherry Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe freezes beautifully. Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container with layers separated by parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring back the soft warmth, pop frozen cookies in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave them briefly in 15-second bursts. This quick reheat revives their tender crumb and melty white chocolate chips as if they were just baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond extract for something else?

If almond extract isn’t your thing, vanilla extract alone can carry the flavor nicely, though the almond extract adds a unique nutty note that makes the cookies special. A teaspoon of almond butter could be an interesting alternative but adjust liquids accordingly.

Should I rinse maraschino cherries before using?

It’s best not to rinse since you want to keep their sweet syrupy flavor intact. However, wrapping them in a paper towel to absorb any extra liquid before chopping helps prevent soggy dough.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend designed for baking with xanthan gum included. The texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still get deliciously soft cookies bursting with cherry and white chocolate.

What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?

You can substitute with regular milk or dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor. White chocolate chips give a creamy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the cherries, but other chocolates bring their own charm.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted when creaming with sugars. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help keep the cookies thick and chewy rather than thin and crispy.

Final Thoughts

There is just something so heartwarming about baking a batch of Maraschino Cherry Cookies with White Chocolate Chips Recipe and sharing them with friends or family. Their joyful pop of color, tender crumb, and sweet, nutty flavor make these cookies a true homemade treasure. If you’re searching for a cookie that delights every sense, this recipe is your new go-to, guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking arsenal.