Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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There’s something special about a homemade cookie that blends the sweetness of chocolate with the tart, juicy bite of maraschino cherries. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday cookie swap, a family gathering, or just an indulgent afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ready to bake your way to cookie heaven? Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistibly decadent recipe that’s anything but ordinary!

Why You’ll Love These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Bursting with Flavor

Each bite is a delightful mix of melty semisweet chocolate chips and juicy maraschino cherry pieces. The cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with just a hint of tartness from the cherries.

A Crowd-Pleaser

These cookies are always a hit! The vibrant red cherries add a pop of color, making them an eye-catching addition to dessert tables or gift boxes.

Easy to Make

No complicated steps here! You’ll love how effortlessly these cookies come together with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Tools You’ll Need

To make these cookies, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• White Chocolate Chips: Swap out semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to enhance the cherry flavor.
• Dark Chocolate: Prefer a richer flavor? Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
• Almond Extract: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty, cherry-almond twist.
• Chopped Nuts: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

How To Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies have a soft and tender texture.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic touch.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

5. Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as you want chunks of cherries and chocolate evenly distributed.

6. Form the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will set as the cookies cool.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then grab a glass of milk (or your favorite beverage) and dig in!

What to Serve with These Cookies

• A Cold Glass of Milk: A classic pairing for any cookie.
• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, serve these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn your cookies into a decadent dessert by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.

Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Drain the Cherries Well: Excess liquid can make the cookie dough too wet. After chopping the cherries, pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Don’t Overbake: To keep the cookies soft and chewy, pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges are golden.
• Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they must be pitted, chopped, and thoroughly dried to avoid adding extra moisture to the dough.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and vibrant flavors. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful bursts of cherry and chocolate, they’re destined to become a staple in your cookie repertoire.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a comment below with your thoughts. And if you’re craving more sweet treats, you’ll love exploring my recipe for Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake—a tropical twist on classic flavors that pairs perfectly with these cookies.

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