Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins

This cherry chocolate chip muffin recipe is a delightful treat that balances the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with the rich melt of chocolate chips. The cherry glaze on top adds a glossy finish and an extra burst of cherry essence making these muffins perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. They bring together classic baking methods with a twist of vibrant fruit and smooth chocolate for a comforting yet elegant bite every time.

I first baked this recipe for a weekend brunch and was surprised by how quickly they disappeared. Now I often make them when friends come over because they get rave reviews every time.

Gather Your Ingredients

• All purpose flour: forms the base of the muffins contributing to a tender crumb. Use fresh, unopened flour for best results
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the batter while helping with a nice rise. Measure carefully to avoid too much sweetness
• Baking powder: leavens the muffins making them rise and fluffy. Fresh baking powder ensures the best lift
• Salt: balances sweetness and enhances other flavors. Use standard table salt
• Large egg: binds all ingredients together and adds moisture. Choose large eggs for consistency
• Milk: adds moisture and helps dissolve sugar& use whole milk or 2 percent for richness
• Canola oil: keeps the muffins moist and tender& neutral flavor so it doesn’t overpower
• Maraschino cherries: chopped to add bursts of sweet, cherry flavor and color. Drain well to avoid excess moisture which can make batter runny
• Confectioners sugar: for the glaze& creates a smooth sweet coating that sets nicely
• Maraschino cherry juice: used in the glaze for authentic cherry flavor and to thin the sugar
• Melted butter: enriches the glaze with a glossy finish and smooth texture
• Almond extract: just a small amount to lift the cherry flavor and add a subtle nuttiness

How to Make It

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and make clean removal easier.

Mix dry ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures the leavening agents and flavors are distributed throughout the batter.

Combine wet ingredients:

In a separate 4-cup measuring cup or bowl whisk the egg, milk, canola oil, and almond extract. Mixing wet ingredients separately helps achieve a smooth, homogenous mixture without overmixing the flour.

Fold wet and dry ingredients:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender rather than tough. It’s okay if a few lumps remain.

Add cherries and chocolate chips:

Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter. This will create bursts of fruitiness and chocolate in every bite.

Fill muffin cups:

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three quarters full to allow room for rising.

Bake until golden:

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, checking for doneness around 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The muffins will be golden brown on top.

Cool muffins:

Remove the muffins from the oven and let rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack lined with wax paper to cool completely. Cooling on a rack prevents sogginess.

Prepare the cherry glaze:

In a small mixing bowl combine the confectioners sugar, melted butter, maraschino cherry juice, and a splash of almond extract. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Glaze the muffins:

Once the muffins are cool, spoon and spread the cherry glaze over the tops. The glaze will set after a few minutes giving a pretty shiny finish and extra cherry flavor.

I especially love how the almond extract brightens the cherry flavor without overpowering it. These muffins remind me of cozy weekend mornings spent baking with my grandmother who used to add a splash of almond extract to all her fruit desserts.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips: Store completely cooled muffins in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For longer storage keep muffins in the refrigerator wrapped tightly and bring to room temperature before eating for best texture. Freeze by wrapping each muffin individually in plastic wrap then place in a zip top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese. Pair these muffins with a cup of black tea or coffee for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat. Add a handful of fresh cherries or sliced almonds on top of the glaze for extra texture and flair.

Creative Twists

Cherry chocolate chip muffins blend the nostalgic American muffin tradition with the classic European love for almond and cherry flavor combinations. Maraschino cherries have roots in Mediterranean cuisine and add a vintage bakery charm to these modern muffins. The almond extract, common in European baking, enhances the complexity of the fruit flavors creating an elegant everyday treat.

These muffins achieve a perfect balance of flavors and texture – with simple steps that deliver consistently delicious results.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of cherries are used in the muffins?

Chopped maraschino cherries provide a sweet and slightly tangy burst of flavor throughout the muffins and in the glaze.

→ How is the cherry glaze prepared?

The glaze combines confectioners sugar with maraschino cherry juice and melted butter to create a smooth, sweet topping.

→ Can I substitute the flour used in this dish?

All-purpose flour is recommended for the right texture, but a blend of whole wheat or gluten-free flour may be used with adjustments.

→ What is the recommended baking temperature and time?

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 45 minutes until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

→ Is almond extract necessary in the batter?

Almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor enhancing the cherries and chocolate chips, but can be omitted if preferred.