Indulgent Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Decadent Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Sweet treats and delightful surprises await with these maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies that blend unexpected flavors into a decadent dessert.

The vibrant red cherries nestled within rich chocolate chip cookies create a stunning visual contrast that promises pure deliciousness.

Soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet-tart cherry notes, these cookies elevate a classic recipe into something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich chocolate and bright cherry essence.

The recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up these irresistible cookies that are sure to impress at any gathering.

Prepare to fall in love with this delectable twist on a beloved classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 24

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredient List

For Base Ingredients:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein providing structure and flavor foundation for patties.
  • Breadcrumbs: Acts as binding agent, creating tender texture and preventing mixture from falling apart.
  • Egg: Natural binder that helps hold ingredients together with smooth consistency.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • White Cheddar: Delivers sharp, creamy taste and melts beautifully for extra richness.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth with subtle pungent undertones.
  • Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy, zesty kick and complexity to overall flavor profile.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle savory sweetness without chunky texture.
  • Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient offering smoky, warm undertone with mild heat.
For Freshness and Seasoning:
  • Chopped Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and earthy undertone.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings balancing and highlighting other ingredient flavors.
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden-brown exterior and prevents sticking during cooking.

Tools That Help Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly and gently.
  • Spatula or hands: Perfect for mixing chicken patty ingredients without overmixing.
  • Skillet or grill pan: Needed for stovetop cooking with even heat distribution.
  • Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for precise ingredient measurements.
  • Cutting board: Used for chopping spinach and preparing ingredients.
  • Grill (optional): Alternative cooking method for outdoor grilling enthusiasts.

How to Mix, Bake, and Cool These Sweet-Tart Cookies

  • Whip Up Cookie Batter

Grab a mixing bowl and cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, blending smoothly. Gradually fold in flour, salt, and baking soda to create a delectable dough.

  • Chop and Fold Cherries

Drain maraschino cherries and slice them into tiny pieces. Gently fold these sweet gems into the cookie dough along with chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.

  • Scoop and Shape Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to drop rounds of dough onto lined baking sheets. Space each cookie about two inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into a preheated oven. Bake until cookie edges turn a beautiful golden brown and centers look slightly soft. Remove and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

  • Cool and Enjoy

Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The cherries will add bursts of sweetness alongside melty chocolate chips, creating an irresistible treat everyone will love.

Additions That Pair Well With Maraschino Cherries

  • Drain maraschino cherries completely and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy.
  • Chop cherries into smaller pieces to distribute sweetness evenly throughout the cookie dough and create bursts of fruity flavor.
  • Prepare cookie dough balls in advance and freeze for up to 3 months, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever cravings strike.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil, use egg substitute like flax egg, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of these delightful cookies.

Plating and Sharing These Chewy Cherry Cookies

  • Perfect Plate Companions: Zesty Sidekicks
  • Fresh Garden Salad: Toss crisp mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to complement the rich chicken patty.
  • Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, season with smoked paprika, and roast until golden for a delightful crunchy side.
  • Tangy Coleslaw Crunch: Prepare a creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo dressing to add refreshing texture.
  • Pickled Veggie Delight: Quickly pickle red onions or cucumber slices in apple cider vinegar for a bright, acidic counterpoint to the savory burger.

Store the Cookies to Maintain Softness

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days, keeping them soft and delicious. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cookies or entire batches in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen cookies maintain quality for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for 24-48 hours. This technique enhances flavor complexity and allows for convenient baking when desired.
  • Add a small slice of bread to the storage container to maintain cookie softness and prevent them from becoming too crisp.
Print
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Indulgent Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Indulgent Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Sweet indulgence meets classic comfort in maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, blending nostalgic flavors with irresistible texture. Crimson cherries and rich chocolate morsels create a delightful symphony that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup (50 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (30 g) spinach, fresh, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (or panko; almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • white cheddar cheese, sliced
  • avocado, sliced
  • tomato, sliced
  • red onion
  • spinach or lettuce leaves
  • Dijon mustard or mayonnaise

For serving:

  • 4 burger buns, toasted, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

Instructions

  1. Mixture Preparation: Gently fold ground chicken, spinach, white cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
  2. Patty Forming: Divide mixture into uniform portions, shaping each into a half-inch thick patty. Lightly moisten hands with water if mixture becomes sticky to ease formation.
  3. Cooking Technique: Sear patties in olive oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring golden exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, grill on medium heat with lightly oiled grates, maintaining consistent cooking time and temperature.
  4. Cheese Enhancement: During final cooking minute, crown each patty with a slice of white cheddar, covering briefly to create a melted, creamy topping.
  5. Burger Assembly: Position patty on toasted bun base, embellish with preferred garnishes like avocado, tomato, red onion, spinach, or lettuce. Spread Dijon mustard or mayonnaise on top bun before completing sandwich.
  6. Serving Presentation: Plate immediately alongside complementary sides such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or crisp green salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Wet hands with cold water when shaping patties to prevent chicken from sticking and ensure smooth, uniform burger formation.
  • Gently mix ingredients to maintain a light, tender texture; overmixing will create dense, tough chicken burgers.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing chicken is safely cooked and juicy.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or cilantro, or swap spices to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the burger’s core structure.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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