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Introduction
Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Your Cherrylicious Cookies
Frequently Asked Questions

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Hello, lovely bakers! ???? Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, these cookies will charm their way into your heart (and stomach)!

Why maraschino cherries and chocolate chips are a match made in cookie heaven?

Are you tired of the same old chocolate chip cookies? Do you crave a treat that offers a delightful pop of color and a burst of sweet-tart flavor alongside that classic comforting chocolatey goodness? If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your cookie game beyond the ordinary, then you’re in the right place! Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a vibrant twist on a beloved classic, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and rich flavors. The bright red of the maraschino cherries not only makes these cookies visually stunning but also adds a unique fruity note that cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate chips and the richness of the cookie dough. They provide a chewy texture and a delightful surprise in every bite, transforming a simple cookie into an extraordinary treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a festive holiday dessert. So, let’s preheat those ovens and get ready to bake some sunshine into every cookie!

The Star Ingredients for Your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gather your ingredients, and let’s create some cookie magic! The quality of your ingredients will truly shine through in this recipe, so opt for the freshest and best you can find.

Prep time
20 mins

Cook time
10-12 mins

Total time
30-32 mins

For the Dough:

Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This provides richness and a tender crumb.
(Substitution: You can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.)
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup. For sweetness and crisp edges.
Brown Sugar: ¾ cup, packed. Adds moisture, chewiness, and a delightful caramel undertone.
(Substitution: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of molasses.)
Eggs: 2 large eggs, at room temperature. They bind the ingredients and add richness.
(Pro Tip: Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the batter.)
Vanilla Extract: 1 ½ teaspoons. Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
(Substitution: Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste for flecks of vanilla bean and a stronger flavor.)
All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups. The foundation of our cookie structure.
(Substitution: For a slightly different texture, you can try cake flour, but it might result in a more delicate cookie. Measure carefully!)
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. The leavening agent that helps cookies spread and become slightly chewy.
Salt: ½ teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
(If using salted butter, consider reducing this to ¼ teaspoon.)
Maraschino Cherries: 1 cup, drained and roughly chopped. These add bright bursts of fruity flavor and a beautiful color.
(Tip: Gently pat the chopped cherries dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the dough too wet.)
Chocolate Chips: 1 ½ cups (semi-sweet or milk chocolate). The classic cookie companion!
(Variety is the spice of life! Feel free to mix in dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.)

Timing is Everything!

This recipe is designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor or texture. The prep time is around 20 minutes, allowing you to gather and mix your ingredients. Baking takes approximately 10-12 minutes per batch. This means your total time from start to delicious, warm cookies is about 30-32 minutes, plus cooling time. Compared to average cookie recipes that can involve chilling times or more complex steps, this recipe is a relatively quick and rewarding bake!

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies on a baking sheet

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Cookies

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, delightful cookies in no time!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

First things first, let’s get our baking environment ready! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, giving you perfectly golden cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for developing a tender texture and incorporating air, which helps the cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until just combined. The batter should look smooth and cohesive.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to consistent cookie texture and rise.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour.

Step 6: Fold in the Stars: Cherries & Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough. The vibrant red of the cherries against the dark chocolate chips will create a beautiful visual appeal.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, or once fully cooled, share them with loved ones!

Nutritional Snapshot

While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes, here’s a general estimate per cookie (assuming 24 cookies):

Calories: Approximately 180-220 kcal
Macronutrients:

Fat: 9-12g (largely from butter and chocolate chips)
Carbohydrates: 25-30g (from sugars and flour)
Protein: 2-3g (from eggs and flour)
Sugar: 15-20g

Please note: This is an approximation. For precise calculations, you would need to input your specific ingredients into a nutritional calculator.

Healthier Swaps for Health-Conscious Baking

Want to enjoy these delightful cookies with a slightly lighter touch? Here are some flavor-preserving alternatives:

Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup and consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup (adjust liquid amounts accordingly) for a more natural sweetness.
Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa content, which contain antioxidants and less sugar.
Butter: While butter is key for texture, you could experiment with using half unsalted butter and half a neutral-flavored oil like avocado or light olive oil for a slightly different fat profile.
Cherries: For a less processed fruit option, try dried cranberries or cherries (unsweetened), or even fresh chopped strawberries that have been well-drained.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Delight

These cookies are incredibly versatile! Serve them:

Warm, fresh from the oven, with a tall glass of cold milk.
As a delightful afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee or tea.
As a colorful addition to any dessert platter or cookie exchange.
Paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect Cookies

Even the best bakers can stumble! Here are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of:

Overmixing the Dough: This is the bain of tender cookies. Mix only until ingredients are just combined.
Not Softening Butter Properly: Butter that’s too cold won’t cream well, leading to a greasy or dense cookie. Room temperature is key!
Overbaking: Cookies continue to bake slightly as they cool. Pull them out when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underdone for a chewy texture.
Not Draining/Drying Cherries: Excess moisture from the maraschino cherries can spread your cookies too much and make them greasy.
Crowding the Baking Sheet: Cookies need space to spread. Overcrowding leads to uneven baking and misshapen cookies.

Storing Your Cherrylicious Cookies

To keep your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delicious:

At Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help maintain softness.
Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, freeze cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Freezing Dough: You can also freeze balls of cookie dough on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Close-up of maraschino cherries and chocolate chip cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Fresh cherries have a much higher water content and a different flavor profile. If using fresh cherries, pit them, chop them, and it’s highly recommended to toss them with a tablespoon of flour and a bit of sugar, then dry them thoroughly on paper towels. Be prepared for a more subtle cherry flavor and potentially a softer cookie.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This can be due to several reasons: the butter was too warm, the dough was overmixed, or there was too much leavening. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, mix the dough only until combined, and use the exact measurements for baking soda.

Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Absolutely! If you love nuts in your cookies, chopped walnuts or pecans would be a fantastic addition. Fold them in along with the chocolate chips and cherries. About ½ to ¾ cup would be a good starting point.

How do I get that classic crinkled cookie top?

The crinkled top often comes from a combination of ingredients and baking technique. A good balance of sugar and flour, proper creaming of butter and sugar, and not overmixing the dough all contribute. Also, letting the cookies spread on their own without pressing them down too much helps.

Bake, Share, and Enjoy!

There you have it – a delightful recipe for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies that’s sure to bring smiles all around! These cookies are a perfect blend of classic comfort and a touch of festive flair, making them a wonderful treat for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations, but remember the core technique for soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies. So, grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home. Happy baking!