Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Treats for Every Occasion

Savor the irresistible blend of maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips in every chewy bite of these cookies. Freshly baked with a buttery, rich base, a hint of vanilla, and golden edges, these treats are perfect for any sweet tooth. Soft and packed with flavors, they make delightful additions to any occasion or as an everyday indulgence. Baking them is simple and they store well, ensuring deliciousness with every taste.

Tags: #halal #vegetarian #kid-friendly #freezer-friendly #north-american #baked #chocolate #dessert #easy #under-30-minutes

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Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 22:06:26 GMT
A stack of three chocolate cookies with cherries on top. Pin it
A stack of three chocolate cookies with cherries on top. | recipebyme.com

Chewy cookies bursting with chocolate and cherries always disappear fast at my house These cherry chocolate chewy cookies are a go to for family gatherings or a sweet treat to brighten a regular weeknight The combo of rich chocolate and bright cherries creates that perfect soft cookie that keeps everyone coming back for another

The first time I brought these to a potluck every single cookie vanished by the end of the night Now my niece insists they are the only cookies she wants for her birthday

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: gives a soft mouthfeel and rich flavor Use real butter for best results
  • Granulated sugar: provides crisp edges Choose fine white sugar for fast creaming
  • Brown sugar: offers caramel depth and helps the cookies stay chewy Go for fresh soft brown sugar with no clumps
  • Large eggs: bind everything together Look for fresh eggs with bright yolks for richer color
  • Vanilla extract: rounds out the sweetness Always use pure vanilla not imitation for the deepest aroma
  • All-purpose flour: builds the structure Choose unbleached for a slightly heartier crumb
  • Baking soda: lifts the cookies helping them spread and get tender Double check that yours is active
  • Salt: balances the sweetness and draws out the chocolate flavors Use fine salt so it dissolves evenly
  • Maraschino cherries: give that sweet tart pop Choose firm jarred cherries and pat them dry before chopping
  • Semisweet chocolate chips: melt beautifully without being overpoweringly sweet Invest in quality chips for gooey pools in every bite

Instructions

Prepare the Equipment:
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies release cleanly and edges bake golden brown
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
Beat softened butter granulated sugar and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer Start on low then increase speed as you go Cream until pale and fluffy The longer you mix the lighter the cookies will be
Mix in Eggs and Vanilla:
Add eggs one at a time mixing each just until incorporated Add the vanilla and beat until everything looks smooth and slightly glossy
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl whisk flour baking soda and salt well Whisking evenly distributes the leaveners so you never get a salty or bitter bite
Blend Dry and Wet Mixes:
Add the dry mix in small batches to the butter mixture Stir gently to avoid overworking the dough Stop as soon as no dry flour remains
Fold in Cherries and Chocolate:
Gently fold chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips into the dough Use a spatula and light strokes so the cherries do not break down too much
Scoop the Dough:
Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the lined sheets Space them well so they have room to spread Each cookie should be about one rounded tablespoon
Bake:
Slide the sheets into a preheated oven at 350 F Watch closely at the ten minute mark You want the edges just golden but the centers not dried out This keeps that signature chewy texture
Cool and Finish:
Let cookies sit on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack This resting firms them up so they do not break apart while still warm
A close up of a chocolate chip cookie with chocolate drizzle and red berries on top. Pin it
A close up of a chocolate chip cookie with chocolate drizzle and red berries on top. | recipebyme.com

Every time I chop the cherries I remember baking these with my sister last Christmas The kitchen was sticky with sugar and we kept sneaking chocolate chips from the bowl That combination of cherries and chocolate reminds me of holiday mornings even on an ordinary day

Storage Tips

Keep cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days If you want them extra soft add a slice of bread to the container and the cookies will absorb a bit of moisture Pop them in the fridge if your kitchen runs hot to prevent the chocolate from getting too soft

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out semisweet chocolate chips for dark or milk if you like For a grown up twist try adding chopped dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips Dried cherries are a fine substitute if fresh maraschino are not available but stick with moist plump ones Skip the cherries for a more classic chocolate chip cookie or use dried cranberries for a tarter result

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies slightly warm with a cold glass of milk or cup of coffee For special occasions I love to press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of the dough balls before baking so they look bakery perfect For dessert platters pair with lemon bars or a simple pound cake for variety

A stack of chocolate chip cookies with red berries on top. Pin it
A stack of chocolate chip cookies with red berries on top. | recipebyme.com

One bite of these cookies is sweet nostalgic comfort no matter the season They are a crowd pleaser that disappear faster than you think

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy?

Cream the butter and sugars thoroughly, avoid overbaking, and let cookies cool slightly on the sheets before transferring.

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, but be sure to pit, chop, and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

→ Which chocolate chips work best for this?

Semisweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness, but milk or dark chocolate can also be used depending on preference.

→ Can the dough be frozen for later use?

Yes, portion the dough, freeze on a tray, then store in an airtight bag to bake fresh whenever needed.

→ How should these cookies be stored?

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days for best texture and flavor.

Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies

Chewy cookies loaded with cherries and chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
32 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough Base

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1 cup packed brown sugar
04 2 large eggs
05 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

06 3 cups all-purpose flour
07 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Mix-Ins

09 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
10 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 03

Add eggs one at a time to creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, blending just until the flour is incorporated.

Step 06

Fold chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips gently into the dough.

Step 07

Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart.

Step 08

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden. Centers will appear slightly soft.

Step 09

Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

  1. For best texture, ensure maraschino cherries are thoroughly drained and gently patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs, wheat, and milk. May contain traces of soy and tree nuts if using standard chocolate chips.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 155
  • Total Fat: 6.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Protein: 1.8 g