As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of chocolate mingled with a cherry zing—truly a match made in dessert heaven. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, which always bring a wave of nostalgia and joy to my family gatherings. These cookies offer the perfect combination of chewy chocolate goodness and the unexpected pop of maraschino cherries, making them a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With just a 15-minute prep time, they’re a breeze to whip up, meaning you’ll have freshly baked treats ready in no time. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike, making them the ideal crowd-pleaser. Ready to create a batch that will impress everyone? Let’s dive into this recipe and unleash your inner baker!
Why are these cookies so special?
Unique Flavor Blend: These cookies fuse rich chocolate chips with delightful maraschino cherries, creating an extraordinary taste experience.
Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and a short baking time, you can enjoy homemade treats in no time.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for family gatherings or dessert tables, they're sure to be a favorite among guests.
Versatile Pairing: Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for an extra special treat, or enjoy them fresh from the oven.
Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of butter and sugars ensures a delectably chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.
Try these alongside my delicious Maraschino Cherry Buttercream for a sweet treat extravaganza!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups ensures the perfect structure for your cookies.
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon helps them rise and become nicely chewy.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter – ¾ cup, softened, adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup provides sweetness and contributes to a crisp edge.
• Brown sugar – ½ cup, packed for an extra hint of caramel flavor.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon adds a warm, aromatic quality to the cookies.
• Eggs – 2 large eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring the cookies hold together.
For the Stir-ins
• Chocolate chips – 1 cup guarantees chocolatey goodness in each bite.
• Maraschino cherries – 1 cup, chopped, for that delightful surprise of flavor!
Feel ready to indulge in these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies? They’re sure to become a beloved favorite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial first step ensures that your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While the oven heats up, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the leavening agent. Set this mixture aside, allowing the flavors to blend while you move on to the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for achieving a soft, chewy texture in your cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
To the creamed mixture, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, mixing well until fully combined. The eggs will bind the ingredients together while the vanilla adds a warm, inviting aroma to your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Make sure everything is well blended before moving on.
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet batter, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will help keep your cookies soft and chewy. At this point, you’ll see a lovely dough starting to form, ready for the sweet additions!
Step 6: Fold in the Add-Ins
Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries into the dough. Use a spatula to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The sight of vibrant cherry pieces and glistening chocolate is sure to get everyone excited for these delicious cookies!
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies room to spread while baking. You should get about 24 cookie mounds ready for the oven.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as the center may appear slightly soft. This is a good sign that they will remain chewy after cooling.
Step 9: Cool and Transfer
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This cooling period lets them set before transferring them to a wire rack. Once set, gently place the cookies on the rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and delicious.
Fridge: For longer-lasting freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they are well wrapped to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy, simply warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste!
Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mixing Method: Keep cream and sugar light: Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy—this is essential for that soft and chewy texture of your cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
Chill the Dough: For richer flavor: If possible, chill your cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This intensifies the flavor of the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Mind the Bake Time: Watch closely: Bake until the edges are golden and the center seems soft. This ensures cookies remain chewy after cooling.
Proper Storage: Keep them soft: Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture and softness.
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then covering the bowl tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This not only saves valuable time during busy days, but it also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you're looking to bake them later, simply scoop the dough onto baking sheets and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking. For an even longer option, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed for fresh, delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulging in these sweet delights opens up a world of pairing possibilities that will elevate your dessert experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies with a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside warm cookies for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: Pairing these cookies with hot chocolate creates a luxurious chocolate experience everyone will adore.
- Creamy Cheesecake: A slice of light cheesecake contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture of the cookies, rounding out the dessert table.
- Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti introduces a satisfying texture variance that pairs wonderfully with the soft cookies.
- Sparkling Lemonade: The zesty and bubbly drink offers a bright and refreshing palate cleanser between bites of sweet cookie delight.
Imagine gathering your loved ones, passing around these delicious treats, and enjoying every bite while sipping on chilled sparkling lemonade—pure joy!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that elevate your baking experience with little effort!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for inclusive cookie joy.
Experience the wonderful flavors without worrying about gluten. -
Vegan: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs instead of dairy and eggs for a compassionate version.
These cookies will still be rich and flavorful with a touch of heart. -
Nutty Addition: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch.
Adding nuts brings a wonderful texture contrast that enhances every bite. -
Minty Freshness: Mix in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist on classic flavors.
This variation will remind you of the holidays with each scrumptious bite! -
Orange Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest for a citrusy spark to your cookies.
The brightness of the orange perfectly complements the sweet cherries and chocolate. -
Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper will provide a warming heat that beautifully contrasts the sweetness.
This unexpected element will certainly surprise and delight your taste buds! -
Dried Fruit: Substitute maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or apricots for a delightful variation.
This swap brings a chewy texture and a naturally sweet profile to your cookies. -
Extra Chocolatey: Fold in ½ cup of cocoa powder along with the dry ingredients for a double chocolate treat.
For chocolate lovers, this variation is sure to satisfy your sweetest cravings.
Pair these delicious variations with my delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter recipe for a decadent treat!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting maraschino cherries, look for ones that are vibrant in color and glossy without any dark spots. A quality cherry will have a firm texture and a sweet flavor that enhances your cookies. Avoid cherries that appear mushy or overly syrupy, as they may not hold up well when mixed into the dough.
How should I store my Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To help them stay soft and chewy, place a slice of bread inside the container. This method is a great trick I often use—trust me, it works like magic!
Can I freeze Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, making sure to layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much in the oven?
Very! If your cookies spread too much during baking, it may be due to warm butter or not enough flour. For the next batch, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and ensure you’re measuring the flour accurately. A helpful tip is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for precise measurements.
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
When it comes to dietary considerations, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies contain common allergens such as gluten (from flour) and dairy (from butter). If you're looking for alternatives, consider using gluten-free flour and a dairy substitute like coconut oil to accommodate dietary restrictions. Always check labels to ensure the alternatives meet your specific needs.
How long can I keep these cookies in the fridge?
Very! If you choose to refrigerate your cookies, they can last up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying them or give them a quick 10-15 second blast in the microwave to refresh their delightful taste!
Delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies to Share
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment Paper
- spatula
- Tablespoon
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour ensures the perfect structure for your cookies
- 1 teaspoon baking soda helps them rise and become nicely chewy
- 0.5 teaspoon salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
- 0.75 cups unsalted butter softened, adds richness and moisture to the dough
- 1 cups granulated sugar provides sweetness and contributes to a crisp edge
- 0.5 cups brown sugar packed for an extra hint of caramel flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic quality to the cookies
- 2 large eggs act as a binding agent
For the Stir-ins
- 1 cups chocolate chips guarantees chocolatey goodness in each bite
- 1 cups maraschino cherries chopped, for that delightful surprise of flavor
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet batter, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
