Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies

Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies are my favorite way to enjoy that timeless blend of sweet maraschino cherries and melty semisweet chocolate—all wrapped up in a soft, golden cookie. Each bite delivers chewy richness with pops of fruity brightness, making these cookies as comforting as they are eye-catching. Whether I’m baking for a party, gifting a batch, or treating myself, they always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies come together with everyday pantry staples, yet the result feels anything but ordinary. The chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and contrast of rich chocolate with bright cherry flavor make these cookies stand out. They whip up fast, fill the kitchen with a nostalgic aroma, and never fail to impress at bake sales, gatherings, or even just cozy evenings in.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
brown sugar, packed
large eggs
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining my baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, I cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.

Next, I beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then I stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. I gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in batches, stirring just until everything is incorporated.

Now I gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips. I make sure the cherries are well-drained and blotted dry to prevent soggy dough.

I drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto my prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

They bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Servings and timing

Serves: 36 cookies
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 11 minutes
Total time: 26 minutes

Variations

When I want to change up the flavor, I sometimes swap the semisweet chips with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a cherry cheesecake vibe.

If I don’t have maraschino cherries, I use chopped dried cherries that have been softened in hot water and patted dry.

For a twist, I’ve also added chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra texture.

storage/reheating

Once cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to 4–5 days.

For longer storage, I freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They thaw quickly at room temperature and still taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, but I make sure to pit, chop, and thoroughly dry them first. Too much moisture can make the cookies too soft or cause spreading.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Semisweet chocolate chips give the perfect balance, but I sometimes use bittersweet or dark chocolate for deeper flavor, or white chocolate for a sweeter contrast.

How do I keep the cookies from turning pink?

I make sure to blot the cherries very well before folding them into the dough. This keeps the dough from picking up too much red color.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. I portion the dough onto a tray, freeze, and then transfer to a bag. When I’m ready to bake, I place them directly on a tray and just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes. I’ve had success using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also use a flax egg substitute for an egg-free version.

Conclusion

Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies are a nostalgic, bakery-style treat that’s full of heart and flavor. I love how easy they are to make and how they always bring joy to a table. With soft, chewy centers, rich chocolate, and bursts of sweet cherry, they’re a delightful cookie to share—or to keep all to yourself. Either way, they’ll quickly become a favorite.

Print