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
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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.