Welcome, cookie lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate chips with the bright, juicy burst of maraschino cherries, you’ve come to the right place. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe, combining the irresistible flavors of chocolate with the tart sweetness of cherries. Whether you’re looking for a treat to share with friends or a fun weekend baking project, these cookies are sure to hit the spot!
Introduction
If you’ve ever craved a cookie that combines the rich, comforting taste of chocolate with something a little more unique, you’re going to love these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. The maraschino cherries add a delightful twist to the traditional chocolate chip cookie, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family gathering, need a quick dessert to impress your friends, or just want to indulge in a sweet snack.
Maraschino cherries have been used in baking for decades, often added to cakes, pies, and even drinks for that pop of color and flavor. Pairing them with chocolate chips creates a comforting, nostalgic taste that everyone loves, making this a must-try recipe for cookie and chocolate enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
Optional Substitutions:
- Replace the butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries or cranberries for a tart twist.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies – Step by Step
Here’s your guide on how to make these mouthwatering Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, chewy cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and reach the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies will have a soft and chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated into the dough. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to add a depth of flavor to your cookie base.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dough, ensuring the perfect rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 6: Fold in Maraschino Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries and 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips. The cherries should be well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the cookie texture.
Step 7: Prepare to Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies enough room to spread as they bake.
Step 8: Bake
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown. Keep an eye on them—the centers should remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 9: Cooling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and develop the ideal texture.
Helpful Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come out perfectly every time.
- Drain the Maraschino Cherries Well: Be sure to drain and pat dry the cherries before adding them to the dough. Excess moisture can make the cookies too soft or soggy.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once the flour is added, stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a denser, less tender cookie.
- Use Fresh Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can use milk, dark, or even white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Cooking Tips for the Best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want to take your cookies to the next level? Try these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie cooking techniques to elevate the flavor and texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This ensures better mixing and a smoother cookie dough.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This helps the cookies bake uniformly.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of almond extract for a more pronounced cherry flavor, or sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
Serving Suggestions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic pairing, or enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to any dessert platter and are perfect for holidays or family gatherings. If you’re serving them at a party, arrange the cookies on a transparent glass plate, letting their vibrant colors and textures shine through.
Nutritional Information
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful indulgence. While they may not be the healthiest treat, they’re perfect for a sweet pick-me-up.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 4%
- Calcium: 1%
Storage and Leftovers for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like to prepare the dough ahead of time, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just pop them into the oven—no need to thaw.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that freshly baked warmth and softness.
4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes! Dried cherries will add a slightly tart flavor and a chewier texture to your cookies. They’re a great alternative if you prefer less sweetness.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
3. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the dough or baked cookies.
4. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition, adding a crunchy contrast to the soft, chewy cookies.
Related Recipes for Cookie Lovers
If you love these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, check out these similar recipes:
Conclusion
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips in a cookie. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make, fun to share, and utterly delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.
So what are you waiting for? Get baking, and don’t forget to share your results!
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies – Easy Recipe
Description
Welcome, cookie lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate chips with the bright, juicy burst of maraschino cherries, you’ve come to the right place. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe, combining the irresistible flavors of chocolate with the tart sweetness of cherries. Whether you’re looking for a treat to share with friends or a fun weekend baking project, these cookies are sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
Optional Substitutions:
- Replace the butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries or cranberries for a tart twist.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and reach the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies will have a soft and chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated into the dough. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to add a depth of flavor to your cookie base.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dough, ensuring the perfect rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 6: Fold in Maraschino Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries and 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips. The cherries should be well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the cookie texture.
Step 7: Prepare to Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies enough room to spread as they bake.
Step 8: Bake
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown. Keep an eye on them—the centers should remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 9: Cooling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and develop the ideal texture.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Drain the Maraschino Cherries Well: Be sure to drain and pat dry the cherries before adding them to the dough. Excess moisture can make the cookies too soft or soggy.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once the flour is added, stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a denser, less tender cookie.
- Use Fresh Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can use milk, dark, or even white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
