There’s a moment in baking when the kitchen transforms into a cozy haven, and for me, that magic starts with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. As soon as the buttery dough hits the oven, the rich scent fills the air, dancing along with whispers of sweet cherries and gooey chocolate. I found this delightful combination during a spontaneous baking spree, seeking a treat that would satisfy both my sweet tooth and my love for homemade desserts—turns out, I hit the jackpot!
These cookies are not just a feast for the senses; they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for anyone looking to escape the mundane fast-food cycle. With bright pops of maraschino cherries nestled among melted chocolate chips, each bite packs a surprising burst of flavor. They’re easy to whip up on a weekend or whenever you need a little comfort in your life. Join me in bringing this irresistible treat into your home, and watch them disappear before your eyes!
Why You'll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
- The delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Their vibrant colors and inviting aroma make these cookies a visually appealing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Plus, with a quick bake time, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy in no time, making them a fantastic choice for last-minute gatherings.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
Unleash the joy of baking with these sweet delights!
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted butter – provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and promotes a soft texture.
• Brown sugar – enhances flavor and moisture for chewy cookies.
• Vanilla extract – adds a warm, comforting aroma that complements the cherries nicely.
• Large eggs – bind the ingredients together and help the cookies rise.
• All-purpose flour – the main structure, ensuring a perfect balance in texture.
• Baking soda – helps the cookies rise and achieve a delightful chewy consistency.
• Salt – elevates the flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the chocolate and cherries.
For the Add-Ins
• Maraschino cherries – offer vibrant bursts of sweetness, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.
• Chocolate chips – bring a rich, melty goodness that perfectly complements the cherries in these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting these chewy, colorful treats that are bound to become a family favorite!
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Cream the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air, ensuring a delightful texture!
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Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and creamy, blending all those delicious flavors together!
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Whisk the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor.
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Combine the mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing—some lumps are perfectly fine!
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Fold in the add-ins. Gently fold in 1 cup of maraschino cherries (drained and chopped) and your choice of chocolate chips until evenly distributed. You’ll love seeing those little pops of cherry nestled among the chocolate!
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Chill the dough. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The oven needs to be nice and hot for perfectly baked cookies!
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Scoop and bake. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
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Cool the cookies. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore these delightful twists and substitutions!
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Nut-Free: Replace chocolate chips with carob chips for a subtle cocoa flavor without tree nuts.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a surprising hint of warmth with every bite.
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Fruit Medley: Mix in chopped dried cranberries or apricots with the cherries for an extra burst of fruity goodness.
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Choco-Mint: Swap out half the chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips and enjoy a refreshing take on the classic!
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Vegan Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs in place of regular eggs for a plant-based version that everyone will love.
Each variation brings a unique flavor profile to your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, inviting everyone to find their favorite!
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. They will remain soft and chewy for a delightful treat anytime!
Fridge: If you want to keep them even longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for an easy sweet fix!
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their soft texture. Enjoy the melty chocolate and sweet cherry flavors all over again.
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Indulge in the sweet harmony of flavors by crafting the perfect meal to complement your delightful cookies.
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Cold Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk enhances the sweetness of the cookies while providing a refreshing balance to the rich chocolate. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside warm cookies creates a comforting contrast. The creamy texture melds beautifully with the chocolate and cherry flavors.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the cookies. This combination brings a refreshing burst into every bite.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For pure indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies before serving. This extra layer of chocolate elevates their dessert status and adds an elegant touch.
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Sweet Tea: A cold glass of sweet tea complements the cookies’ sweetness while providing a refreshing sip. The flavors harmonize, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Cherry Limeade: For a pop of flavor, serve these cookies with a tangy cherry limeade. The citrus notes add a zesty kick that pairs splendidly with the sweet cherries in the cookies.
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Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy side of nutty trail mix offers a delightful contrast in texture. The nuts and dried fruits enhance the cookie experience, providing a more substantial snack option.
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first five steps and then covering the bowl tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This chilling not only helps the flavors meld but also keeps the dough from spreading too much while baking. When you’re ready to indulge, simply preheat your oven, scoop, and bake as directed. For an even fresher taste, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer for a delightful treat with minimal effort!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, make sure to cream your butter and sugars well, as this incorporates air and gives your cookies a light texture.
- Always drain and chop the maraschino cherries before adding them to prevent excess moisture from making your dough too wet.
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Remember to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes; this helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best maraschino cherries for my cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for ones that are bright in color and have no dark spots or signs of fading. They should also have a firm texture. If possible, choose brands that use natural dyes instead of artificial ones for a better flavor profile.
What’s the best way to store my Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Very! To freeze, start by placing the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that warm, freshly-baked feel.
What should I do if my cookie dough seems too wet?
If your dough feels overly wet, it may be due to excess moisture from the maraschino cherries. To troubleshoot, you can add a tablespoon or two of flour to help balance the wetness. Additionally, make sure you thoroughly drain the cherries before chopping and adding them to the dough – this helps reduce moisture!
Can I make these cookies without using eggs?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for an eggless version, try using 1/4 cup applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana for each egg. This will maintain moisture and help bind the ingredients together while adding a subtle sweetness. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly from the original recipe.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you’re baking for someone with allergies, be sure to inform them about the key ingredients, especially gluten from the flour and dairy from the butter. For a dairy-free option, substitute with a plant-based butter and use egg replacements if necessary. Always check the labels of your chocolate chips and cherries to ensure they align with any dietary needs.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries drained and chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Method
- Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together.
- Combine the wet and dry mixtures, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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