If you are searching for a cookie that combines classic comfort with a delightful twist, the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. This cookie marries the rich, melty semisweet chocolate chips with the bright, fruity pop of maraschino cherries, creating a unique bite that’s both chewy and buttery. The balance of sweet cherries and chocolate in a tender cookie dough is truly irresistible and perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor of your cookies. From the creamy butter that makes them tender to the maraschino cherries adding a burst of color and sweetness, you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb to your cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure and crisp edges.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Imparts a caramel undertone while keeping the cookies moist and chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and give the dough body.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, bringing warmth and depth.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookies their shape and sturdiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and prevents them from becoming too dense.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped: Offers bursts of juicy, vibrant flavor and eye-catching color.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Provides melty spots of chocolate that complement the cherries exquisitely.
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, giving you a smooth release every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key to tender and chewy cookies. Then add in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with fragrant warmth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet batter, stirring gently until everything just comes together—avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.
Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These two ingredients bring the magic to this special Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using about 1½ tablespoon-sized dough balls, place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. This perfect timing guarantees that dreamy, chewy center we all crave.
Step 6: Cool and Transfer
Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling properly prevents them from becoming soggy and keeps the edges delightfully crisp.
How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, toss a few extra finely chopped maraschino cherries or chocolate shavings on top just as the cookies come out of the oven. This adds an inviting pop of color and a hint of extra sweetness to the presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a timeless treat, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that feels special yet effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board or a decorative platter, and add small bowls of extra maraschino cherries and melted chocolate for dipping. This not only looks delightful but invites your guests to customize each bite a little bit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them between parchment paper to avoid sticking and preserve their perfect texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for fresh-from-the-oven joy any time.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F to revive their soft, chewy goodness. Avoid overdoing it to keep the cookies from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries are delicious but do not have the same sweet, bright flavor and color as maraschino cherries. They also contain more moisture, which can affect the cookie’s texture. If using fresh cherries, remove pits and pat dry before chopping.
Why do these cookies have both granulated and brown sugar?
The combination of sugars produces a multi-dimensional sweetness and texture. Granulated sugar helps cookies spread and get crisp edges, while brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness thanks to its molasses content.
Can I substitute the semisweet chocolate chips?
Of course! Milk chocolate chips add extra sweetness while dark chocolate chips offer a deeper, less sweet flavor. Mini chips or chunks also work and will change the texture slightly.
How do I prevent my maraschino cherries from bleeding into the dough?
Drain and pat your cherries dry before chopping to minimize color bleeding. Folding them gently into the dough rather than mixing vigorously also helps keep their shape and vibrancy intact.
Is it okay to refrigerate the cookie dough before baking?
Yes! Chilling dough for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld and helps control spreading while baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly joyful about biting into a cookie that surprises with juicy bursts of maraschino cherry surrounded by luscious chocolate chips. This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a delicious, memorable treat that is perfect for almost any occasion or just a quiet afternoon at home. I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing these cookies as much as I do—they might just become a new favorite in your rotation!
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, a perfect blend of sweet cherries and rich chocolate chips embedded in a classic buttery cookie dough. These cookies offer a delightful twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie with bursts of fruity flavor from the maraschino cherries, creating a chewy, soft, and flavorful treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which adds air to your dough for a tender texture. Then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition before mixing in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring they are evenly mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Cherries & Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Scoop & Bake: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place 1½ tablespoon-sized dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and centers are set.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and prevents sogginess.
Notes
- Make sure to drain and chop maraschino cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
- To enhance cherry flavor, gently pat cherries dry before folding into dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly.
