Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

You guys, I just whipped up the most delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies that are not only soft and chewy but also packed with a pop of sweet cherry flavor. I can’t wait to share this with you! If you love chocolate chip cookies but want a twist that brings a little excitement to your dessert game, these babies are the way to go. Trust me; they’ll become a favorite treat in no time.

What Are Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?

So, let’s talk about what these delightful cookies are all about. Essentially, they are your classic chocolate chip cookie taken to a new level by adding yummy maraschino cherries. The combination of rich, gooey chocolate with the sweet, juicy cherries creates a playful balance of flavors that is absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for a bake sale, a cozy night in, or just because you want a tasty treat.

Ingredients Overview for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s what you need to make these mouthwatering cookies. Don’t worry; I’ve provided some easy substitutions in case you can’t find something!

Butter: 1 cup, softened. This gives the cookies that soft, rich texture.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. It adds that lovely caramel flavor and moisture.
Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. For the right amount of sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon. It enhances the overall flavor.
Eggs: 2 large. These are essential for binding everything together.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups. The main ingredient for structure.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. It helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Just a pinch makes the flavors pop.
Chocolate Chips: 1 cup. Use semi-sweet for the best results, but feel free to swap in dark chocolate!
Maraschino Cherries: 1 cup, chopped. The star of this cookie!

Step-by-Step Instructions

How To Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly.
Mix the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add in The Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined and smooth.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix!
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop onto Baking Sheets: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough on lined baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake: Slide those trays into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they also make great sweet treats for gatherings! Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of hot chocolate for a cozy night in. They also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk!

Tips For The Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until the flour disappears. This helps keep the cookies tender.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain a nice shape and improves the flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise!
Water-Rinse Cherries: Rinse and drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly to eliminate excess sweetness and moisture.

Q&A Section

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, but you’ll want to chop them finely and remove the pits. Fresh cherries will change the texture slightly, so keep that in mind!

What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and delicious!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them individually on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What other add-ins can I try?
Get creative! Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love It

You will adore these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies because they blend classic flavors with a fun twist. The soft, rich cookies are perfectly sweet, and every bite offers a delightful surprise of cherry. Plus, they’re so easy to make! You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment, just a mixing bowl and a baking sheet. Trust me, they’ll be a hit with your family and friends!

Behind The Scenes

Oh man, I can’t tell you how many tries it took me to nail the balance of flavor in these cookies! The first batch was a bit too sweet, and I learned that rinsing the cherries makes such a difference. My kitchen smelled like a cherry-chocolate dream as they baked! I snapped some photos and saved notes for future tweaks (and trust me, you’ll want to see them on my Pinterest page: MyRecipeCast). Join me over there for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration!

So, are you ready to dive into baking these delightful cookies? You won’t regret it! Happy baking!