Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate chip cookie but want to add a fun twist, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are going to steal your heart. The sweet, tangy cherries paired with the rich, melty chocolate chips make each bite feel like a little party in your mouth. Trust me, they’re the perfect balance of indulgence and flavor, and they’re sure to put a smile on anyone who takes a bite. These cookies are great for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just treating yourself to something sweet. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies. Here’s why they stand out:

Versatile: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a sweet snack, these cookies fit the bill. They’re a fun twist on a classic that everyone loves.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, these cookies won’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy: These come together in no time! Mix, scoop, bake, and enjoy a batch of warm, gooey cookies.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the amount of cherries or chocolate chips based on your personal taste. Add more cherries for an extra tangy punch or more chocolate chips for a richer, more decadent cookie.

Crowd-Pleasing: The sweet-and-tart combination of Maraschino cherries and chocolate chips makes these cookies a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients in Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

For the Cookie Dough:

• Butter: The foundation of a perfect cookie, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture and richness.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix of both sugars adds the perfect sweetness and depth of flavor to these cookies.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the dough together and give the cookies that soft, chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, comforting flavor that complements both the cherries and chocolate.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cookie dough, creating that chewy yet soft texture that everyone loves.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just right and gives them that perfect bite.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dough and balances the sweetness of the cherries and chocolate chips.

For the Filling:

• Maraschino Cherries: The star of the show! These juicy, sweet cherries add a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips melt into the dough, creating pockets of rich, gooey chocolate in every bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out with that perfect golden-brown edge.

Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender!

Add the Cherries and Chocolate Chips:
Chop the Maraschino cherries into small pieces, and gently fold them into the cookie dough, along with the chocolate chips. The cherries add a delightful burst of flavor, and the chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey goodness.

Scoop the Dough:
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart, as they’ll spread a bit as they bake.

Bake to Perfection:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different!

Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can resist, these cookies are amazing warm with a glass of milk!

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 180
(Note: Calories are approximate based on standard ingredient measurements.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. They’re also a fun addition to any holiday cookie platter or bake sale!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use fresh cherries if you prefer a more natural cherry flavor, but keep in mind that they will add extra moisture to the dough, so adjust the flour accordingly.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want a thicker, chewier cookie.
• If you like your cookies extra cherry-flavored, feel free to add more chopped Maraschino cherries to the dough.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of Maraschino cherries?
   Frozen cherries may be a bit too juicy and could affect the texture of the dough, but they’re a great option if fresh cherries aren’t available.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check the flour packaging for any necessary adjustments.
3. How do I store leftover cookies?
   Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days.
4. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?
   Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give the cookies a more intense chocolate flavor and pair beautifully with the sweetness of the cherries.
5. How can I make these cookies softer?
   For softer cookies, you can slightly reduce the baking time or use a little more butter in the dough.
6. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
7. What if I don’t have baking soda?
   You can substitute baking powder if you don’t have baking soda, but the texture may be slightly different. Use 1 teaspoon of baking powder for every 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
8. Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?
   Yes, chocolate chunks will work perfectly! They’ll create bigger pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cookies.
9. Can I add nuts to these cookies?
   Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and pair wonderfully with the chocolate and cherries.
10. How do I know when my cookies are done?
    Look for golden-brown edges and a slightly soft center. They’ll firm up as they cool!

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a beloved classic, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite. With their soft, chewy texture and a burst of cherry flavor, these cookies are destined to become a family favorite. Bake up a batch and treat yourself and your loved ones to something sweet today!

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