Oh, let me tell you about the joy of baking cookies! There’s something so comforting about the smell of cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? I remember the first time I decided to mix things up with classic chocolate chip cookies by adding maraschino cherries. Wow! The sweet, fruity burst combined with the rich chocolate is a game changer. It’s like a little party in your mouth! These maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked on this delightful twist!
Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed for that perfect caramel flavor
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for sweetness
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature for better mixing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a light texture
- 1 teaspoon baking soda to help those cookies rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to enhance the flavors
- 1 cup chocolate chips, because you can never have too much chocolate
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped, adding a delightful burst of flavor
How to Prepare Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ready to dive into cookie heaven? Let’s get started! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows those cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush this part because it makes all the difference!
- Next, add in the two large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully combined. You’ll love how fragrant and inviting it smells!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because it ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed. It only takes a minute, so don’t skip it!
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion. Make sure everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
- Now, for the fun part! Gently fold in those chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. The cherries add that pop of color and sweetness, and I can’t get enough of it!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space in between for spreading. I usually aim for about 2 inches apart.
- Bake those beauties for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them because every oven is a little different!
- Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up a bit more before you dive in!
Tips for Success
To make your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies truly shine, here are a few tips! First, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them thicker and chewier—yum! If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out half of the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a delightful twist. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking for that sweet and salty combo that will make your taste buds dance! And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits mixed in for added texture and flavor!
Nutritional Information
Each maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookie is approximately 150 calories, with 7g of fat and 10g of sugar. You’ll also find about 2g of protein in each delightful treat. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used. Enjoy your cookies guilt-free!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that warm, gooey goodness!
FAQ about Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Got questions about these delightful cookies? I’ve got answers! If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just reduce the added salt a tad. For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Want thicker cookies? Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking, which helps them hold their shape better. Also, consider using a bit less flour; just a couple tablespoons will do!
Storing your cookies? They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different mix-ins like nuts or white chocolate for a fun twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and sweet, tangy maraschino cherries creates an unforgettable taste that’ll wow your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.
- Fun to Customize: Feel free to mix in your favorite extras like nuts or different chocolate types to make them your own!
- Crowd-Pleaser: They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of happiness that everyone will love!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies That Delight Every Bite
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies