Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken; 1 egg; ½ cup (50 grams) shredded white cheddar cheese; 1 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs (or panko; almond flour for gluten-free); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sweet meets salty in these irresistible maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies that dance between nostalgic and modern flavors.

Bright red cherries peek through rich chocolate patches like delightful little gems.

Memories of childhood bakeries whisper through each soft, chewy bite.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this recipe stand out from standard chocolate chip treats.

Bakers seeking something unique will adore these playful, colorful cookies.

A single crunch reveals layers of complex, harmonious tastes that surprise and delight.

Prepare to fall in love with a cookie that breaks all the classic rules.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Make Dessert Fun

These cookies take minimal effort, requiring just a few simple steps to create a delectable treat that feels like a homemade masterpiece.
Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert moments, these cookies will spark joy and bring smiles to everyone's faces.
Combine the classic chocolate chip cookie base with the unexpected twist of maraschino cherries, offering a unique flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
Ideal for novice bakers and experienced cookie enthusiasts alike, the recipe provides straightforward instructions that guarantee delicious results every single time.

What You’ll Need for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Foundational Base Ingredients:

Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for the patty, choose fresh and high-quality meat.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and provides texture to the patty.
Egg: Natural binder that holds the patty mixture together.

Flavor Enhancers:

White Cheddar, Shredded: Adds rich cheese flavor, sharp and creamy profile.
Chopped Spinach: Introduces nutrients and earthy green notes to the patty.
Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and robust flavor to the mixture.
Dijon Mustard: Offers tangy and sharp undertones to the chicken patty.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet and savory background flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that adds smoky complexity.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste profile.

Cooking and Serving Components:

Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying or preventing sticking on grill.
Buns: Base for burger assembly, preferably toasted.

Optional Toppings:

Avocado, Tomato Slices, Red Onion, Spinach, Lettuce: Fresh additions for extra texture and nutrition.
Additional Cheese Slice: For melting on top of patty.
Mayonnaise: Alternative spread for burger assembly.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies at Home

Step 1: Cream Butter And Sugar

Grab softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow. The texture should look smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in these ingredients:

Vanilla extract
Eggs
Maraschino cherry juice

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Step 4: Merge Wet And Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold In Delicious Add-Ins

Gently fold into the dough:

Chopped maraschino cherries
Chocolate chips
Optional chopped nuts

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls onto lined baking sheets. Space cookies about two inches apart to allow spreading.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center but will firm up while cooling.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Store in airtight container for maximum freshness.

Drain Maraschino Cherries Thoroughly: Pat cherries completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making cookie dough soggy and affecting texture.
Chop Cherries Strategically: Cut maraschino cherries into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout cookie dough and prevent large wet spots.
Chill Dough Before Baking: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading and help maintain a thick, chewy cookie shape during baking.
Control Cherry Moisture: If cherries seem extra wet, briefly toast them in the oven at low temperature to reduce moisture content before adding to cookie mixture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and smoother cookie dough consistency, helping ingredients blend more effectively.

Storing and Reheating Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Store leftover chicken patties in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving quality for up to 2 months.
Warm patties in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring they reach 165°F internal temperature to maintain food safety and prevent dryness.
While possible, microwaving can make patties tough, so prefer stovetop or oven reheating for best texture and flavor preservation.

Best Pairings for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crisp White Wine Pairing
Complement the chicken burger's rich, complex flavors with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, zesty wines cut through the cheese's richness and balance the burger's hearty profile perfectly.
Craft Beer Selection
Match the burger's savory notes with a hoppy pale ale or wheat beer. These craft brews enhance the smoky paprika and provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy cheddar and tender chicken.
Tangy Slaw Companion
Create a vibrant coleslaw with apple cider vinegar, shredded cabbage, and a hint of honey. This side dish offers a crunchy texture and bright acidity that brilliantly complements the burger's robust flavors.
Spicy Aioli Accent
Whip up a zesty garlic aioli with sriracha or chipotle sauce. This creamy, spicy spread adds depth to the burger, amplifying the mustard's tang and providing an extra layer of excitement to each bite.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Tasty Variations to Try

Gluten-Free Chicken Spinach Burger: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute white cheddar with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip the bun and wrap the burger in large lettuce leaves for a carbohydrate-reduced meal that's perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground chicken with plant-based ground alternatives like lentils, black beans, or commercial meat substitutes to create a vegetarian-friendly burger with similar texture and protein content.

Common Questions About Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap white cheddar for other melty cheeses like monterey jack, provolone, or swiss. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the chicken flavor.

Is it okay to make the patty mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This helps flavors meld and makes cooking easier.

How do I know if the chicken patties are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). The patties should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center.

Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This will maintain the patty’s texture while making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

Program: Certificate in Patisserie
Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for Cherry Lovers

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Make Dessert Fun

What You’ll Need for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies