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Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

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These cherry chocolate chip cookies are the perfect combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate. They’re chewy, soft, and loaded with flavor in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have homemade cookies that everyone will love. Get ready for a delicious treat that's sure to impress!
This recipe is easy to make, and you can follow the guide below for step-by-step photos and directions. We include pro tips and tricks to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time. Plus, find answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions to help you along the way!

More Recipes ⭐ Cherry Fluff | Valentine Sugar Cookies | Cherry Cheesecake Tacos | Cherry Pie Bombs
These cherry chocolate chip cookies are so simple to make, but everyone will think you fussed! The combination of juicy cherries and chocolate chips creates a chewy, flavorful cookie that stands out.
Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or special occasions, these cookies are sure to impress. Try making them at home for a fun treat that’s easy to enjoy!
Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

What you'll need to make this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe:
- 2⅔ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 cup of salted sweet cream butter, softened
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup of light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon of almond extract
- 2 tablespoons of reserved cherry juice
- 2 to 3 drops of pink food color
- 1 cup of drained, chopped maraschino cherries
- 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
Substitutions and Additions
Get creative with your cherry chocolate chip cookies by adding your own tasty twists! These simple changes will make your cookies truly unique. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Substitute Cherries: Use dried cranberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor in your cookies.
Substitute Chocolate Chips: Try white chocolate chips to give the cookies a pretty pink and white appearance, or dark chocolate chunks for a richer taste.
Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
Substitute Pink Food Coloring: If you don’t have pink food coloring, you can substitute one to two drops of red food coloring.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and pictures to make these cherry chocolate chip cookies. We’ve also included tips and tricks to help you every step of the way.
FIRST STEP: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
SECOND STEP: Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set it aside.
Pro Tip
The baking soda will give you a fluffier and chewier texture to your cookies.

THIRD STEP: Beat butter for one minute until smooth.
Use either a stand mixer, or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld electric mixer, on medium-high speed, to do this.
Pro Tip
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature and not melted.

FOURTH STEP: Add the white sugar and brown sugar, and continue to mix for 1 to 1½ minutes until light and fluffy.

FIFTH STEP: Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract and cherry juice to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.

SIXTH STEP: Lower the hand mixer speed to medium speed and add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until incorporated.

SEVENTH STEP: Add the pink food coloring, and mix just until the color is even.

EIGHTH STEP: Fold in the chopped cherry pieces and chocolate chips.
Pro Tip
Before chopping the cherries, make sure to drain them well. Once drained, lay them on a paper towel to allow any excess moisture to be soaked up.

NINTH STEP: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough ball and place it on the prepared cookie sheet.
Space the dough balls two inches apart.

TENTH STEP: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just a slightly golden brown color.
ELEVENTH STEP: Allow the cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for three to four minutes before moving the cookies to a wire rack.
Allow the cookies to cool completely.
How To Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cherry chocolate chip cookies make a great treat for any occasion! They’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers. Here are a few fun ways to serve these cookies:
- Kids’ Birthday Parties: These cookies make a fun treat for kids’ birthday parties. The fruity and chocolaty flavor combo is always a hit. Pair them with Oreo milkshakes or salted caramel cupcakes for a sweet spread.
- Holiday Gatherings: Cherry chocolate chip cookies shine during the holidays. Their festive red cherries add a pop of color. Serve them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or alongside gingerbread cookies for extra cheer.
- Casual Get-togethers: These cookies work for casual get-togethers with friends. Their easy-to-make nature fits any laid-back gathering.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tart: The juicy cherries and rich chocolate chips come together in a mouthwatering combination that everyone craves. This balance of sweet and tart flavors makes each bite irresistible.
- Fun for All Ages: These cookies appeal to both kids and adults, making them perfect for any occasion. The chewy texture and playful mix of flavors make them a hit for parties or casual gatherings.
- Simple and Delicious: The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a cookie that tastes like it came from a bakery.
These cherry chocolate chip cookies are the kind of dessert that everyone will remember and ask for time and time again.

Recipe FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries for this recipe?
Yes, fresh cherries work well in this recipe. Just be sure to pit, chop and drain them before adding to the dough.
How long do the cherry chocolate chip cookies stay soft?
These cookies stay soft for a few days when stored in an airtight container. Enjoy them fresh or within a few days for the best texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to twenty-four hours before baking. This lets the flavors develop even more!
What makes these cherry chocolate chip cookies stand out?
The combination of juicy cherries and rich chocolate chips makes these cookies extra special. The sweet and tart flavor creates a delightful treat!

Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve cherry chocolate chip cookies at a party?
Serve these cookies on a large platter for a tempting display. Arrange them in rows for easy grabbing.
Are cherry chocolate chip cookies a good choice for holiday gatherings?
Yes, they add a festive touch with their bright red cherries. They’re perfect for any holiday dessert table.
Can I serve cherry chocolate chip cookies as a dessert for kids?
Kids love the sweet and fruity combination. Serve them in their lunch box, as an after-school snack, or party treat.
What’s the best way to present these cookies for a casual get-together?
Arrange them on a fun cookie tray. Add a few napkins for easy, casual serving that everyone will enjoy.

Storage FAQ
For perfect storage of your cherry chocolate chip cookies, follow these simple directions, tips, and tricks. We’ve got you covered to ensure your cookies stay fresh and delicious!
Can I prepare cherry chocolate chip cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Simply refrigerate it for up to twenty-four hours before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftover cherry chocolate chip cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Can I freeze cherry chocolate chip cookies?
Yes, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
How do I reheat cherry chocolate chip cookies?
To reheat, place cookies in a warm oven at 300°F for about five minutes. This helps restore their fresh-baked taste.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup salted sweet cream butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons reserved cherry juice
- 2 to 3 drops pink food color
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set it aside.
- Using either a stand mixer, or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer, on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter for 1 minute until smooth.
- Add the sugars, and continue to mix for 1 to 1½ minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, almond flavor and cherry juice. Mix until well combined.
- Lower the mixer speed to medium and add the flour mixture. Mix just until incorporated.
- Add the pink food coloring, and mix just until the color is even.
- Fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
- Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Space the dough 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just golden. Allow the cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for 3 to 4 minutes before moving the cookies to a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Notes
- The baking soda will give you a fluffier and chewier texture to your cookies.
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature and not melted.
- Before chopping the cherries, make sure to drain them well. Once drained, lay them on a paper towel to allow any excess moisture to be soaked up.






Comments
Sarah says
Very tasty and easy to make. Fun cookie for Valentine’s Day. You can also add white chocolate chips to make them even more festive.
Susan M. says
Beautiful cookies. Can’t wait to serve them tonight! Great recipe!
Tommy Gault says
These look goood
Pat says
Will the marrchino cherry cookies get hard or will they stay soft.
Layne Henderson says
Hi, Pat - they'll stay soft. If cookies ever get hard, you can place a piece of bread in the container with them for a few hours and it will soften them back up. Enjoy!
Sandra says
I made these for my co workers and they all loved them. Making them again
Christina says
Absolutely delicious recipe. Wonderful flavor.