Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, incorporating the sweet and tangy flavors of maraschino cherries.
These cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or simply enjoying a unique and delicious treat with a glass of milk. The combination of chewy chocolate chips and juicy cherry pieces creates a burst of flavor in every bite, making these cookies a favorite among both kids and adults.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
Ingredients Overview
- Butter: Provides richness and a tender texture.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Eggs and Vanilla: Bind the ingredients and enhance the flavor.
- Maraschino Cherries: Introduce a sweet and tangy element.
- Chocolate Chips: Offer a classic, indulgent flavor.
- Flour and Leavening Agents: Create the structure and rise of the cookies.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Directions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure easy removal of the cookies after baking. - Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture. - Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so it’s important to stop once the flour is fully incorporated. - Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chopped Cherries
Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place rounded balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. - Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers have set. The cookies should still be slightly soft in the middle when you remove them from the oven. - Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. - Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, enjoy your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or as a sweet treat on their own.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10–12 minutes
Total Time
25–27 minutes
Nutrition (per cookie, ~24 cookies)
- Calories: ~150
- Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Protein: ~2g
Expert Tips
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before scooping. This helps maintain the shape of the cookies during baking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate chips and maraschino cherries enhance the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Prevent Sinking Cherries: Toss the chopped maraschino cherries in a little flour before folding them into the dough to help them stay evenly distributed and prevent sinking to the bottom during baking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen maraschino cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen maraschino cherries. Thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie dough.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even a mix of different chocolate varieties based on your preference.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain freshness, separate layers with parchment paper.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the maraschino cherries or substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter substitutes and vegan chocolate chips. Replace eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs.
- Double Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the dough for an extra chocolatey flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle the cookies with caramel sauce for an added layer of sweetness.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough and use mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, incorporating the sweet and tangy flavors of maraschino cherries. These cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or simply enjoying a unique and delicious treat with a glass of milk.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure easy removal of the cookies after baking.
- **Cream the Butter and Sugars**
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, contributing to the cookies' tender texture.
- **Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract**
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- **Combine Dry Ingredients**
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so it's important to stop once the flour is fully incorporated.
- **Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chopped Cherries**
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- **Scoop the Dough**
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place rounded balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- **Bake the Cookies**
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers have set. The cookies should still be slightly soft in the middle when you remove them from the oven.
- **Cool the Cookies**
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
- **Serve and Enjoy**
- Once cooled, enjoy your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or as a sweet treat on their own.
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