These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on classic cookies! They are soft, chewy, and have sweet little cherries and chocolate bits in every bite.
Who knew a cherry could make cookies extra special? I love how colorful they are—perfect for any occasion. They disappear fast, so be ready to share! 🍒🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter is great for controlling the amount of salt in your cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap in margarine, but keep in mind it can change the texture a bit. I usually stick with butter for that rich flavor!
Cherries: Maraschino cherries add a nice sweetness and color, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, try using dried cherries or even fresh cherries. Just remember to chop them well so they mix nicely into the dough!
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are perfect for balancing the sweetness of the cherries. You can use milk chocolate if you prefer it sweeter or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. I’ve even combined both for a blend of flavors!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might vary a little.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The secret to achieving soft and chewy cookies is to avoid over-mixing the dough. Mixing too much can lead to more gluten development, which makes the cookies tough. When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until they disappear into the wet mixture.
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature first. This helps cookies bake evenly.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! If the dough feels soft, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavors and help with shaping.
- Keep an eye on baking time— cookies will continue to cook a bit after you take them out of the oven. Look for lightly golden edges and softer centers.
These tips will help ensure your cookies are perfectly textured every time! Happy baking!
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
- Optional: a few whole maraschino cherries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want a little time to cool them down before diving in, so set aside about 30 minutes total for cooking and cooling. That’s a quick timeline for these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that nice, soft texture!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After that, stir in the vanilla extract until everything looks well combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until they’re evenly mixed. This will help ensure your cookies have the right texture and taste.
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep those cookies soft and chewy!
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the chopped maraschino cherries. Take care not to crush the cherries too much; you want small pieces without excess juice that might make your dough too wet.
7. Scoop the Dough onto Baking Sheets:
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for lightly golden edges but soft centers. If you bake them too long, they might become crisp!
9. Cool and Transfer:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Decorate (Optional):
If you’d like, while the cookies are still warm, gently press a whole maraschino cherry on top of each cookie for a cute decoration!
11. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your chewy, sweet, and colorful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
These cookies are not only delightful but also eye-catching, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat for yourself!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Substitute the Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use maraschino cherries, you can substitute them with dried cherries, chopped fresh cherries, or even other fruits like cranberries. Just remember to adjust the hydration of your dough if you’re using fresh fruits to avoid excess moisture!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make the Cookie Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time! Once prepared, refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer. If freezing, scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent the Cherries from Making the Dough Too Wet?
To prevent excess moisture from the cherries, be sure to thoroughly drain and pat them dry with paper towels before chopping and adding them to the dough. This simple step can make a significant difference in the final texture of your cookies!
