There’s a playful sweetness that dances in the air, a delightful reminder of childhood treats, as I whip up a batch of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. These aren’t your average cookies; they are a cheerful union of gooey chocolate and bright cherries that bring just the right amount of nostalgia to any kitchen. I stumbled upon this charming recipe one rainy afternoon as I rummaged through my pantry, desperate to bake something comforting yet different from the norm.
With every buttery scoop of dough, you’ll layer in the juicy pops of maraschino cherries, creating a delightful surprise in each bite. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering, this cookie recipe transforms the ordinary into extraordinary without requiring hours in the kitchen. Think of it as the perfect antidote to fast food monotony; each bite will remind you of the joy of homemade goodness. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s create something that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
- The combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- Their vibrant colors and delightful texture make them visually appealing, ensuring they will catch everyone’s eye at any gathering.
- With a quick prep and bake time, these cookies are a fantastic time-saver for those spontaneous occasions when you need a crowd-pleasing treat.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake some delightful cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter – provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- Brown sugar – brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Large egg – binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile of the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- All-purpose flour – gives structure to the cookies; be sure not to overmix!
- Baking soda – acts as a leavening agent for a fluffy cookie texture.
- Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
For the Add-ins
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – add a rich, melty chocolate flavor.
- Maraschino cherries – provide a sweet and fruity burst in every bite.
- Chopped nuts (optional) – add a delightful crunch if you’re looking to elevate the texture.
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies with just the right amount of crispness!
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Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for airy cookies!
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. You want a smooth and creamy consistency to enrich the dough with flavor.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding to the wet mix!
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gradually. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if a few floury bits remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
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Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and nuts (if using) gently. Make sure everything is evenly distributed without breaking up the cherries.
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Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will give them room to spread while baking!
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Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. You want a perfect cookie texture!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
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Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days, keeping that delightful homemade charm!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an elevated taste experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
There’s nothing quite like the warm, decadent aroma wafting through your kitchen while baking. To elevate your cookie experience, consider these delightful pairings.
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Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk beautifully complements the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing their rich flavors.
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Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream adds a creamy contrast, turning your cookies into an indulgent dessert.
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Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee provides a warm and rich balance to the sweetness, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
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Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like strawberries or citrus can add a refreshing element, cutting through the cookies’ sweetness for a balanced bite.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm chocolate sauce on top makes for an extravagant treat, perfect for sweetening the moment.
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Nutty Trail Mix: Pairing with a crunchy trail mix adds a fun, textural contrast, making for a delightful snack experience.
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Sparkling Water: The fizz pairs perfectly with the cookies’ soft chew, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy finish to your cookie feast.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to mix things up and create your own delightful spins on these cookies!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a deliciously chewy alternative. It keeps the same tasty charm without the gluten!
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Nut-Free: Omit the chopped nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for a crunchy bite without the allergenic worry.
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Fruity Twist: Substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries or cranberries for a different fruity flair. Each variation brings a new burst of flavor!
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Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a plant-based treat everyone will love!
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Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or cinnamon to the dough to deepen the cookie’s flavor profile. It creates a warm, inviting aroma that’s irresistible.
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Chocolate Overload: Mix in white chocolate chips or caramel bits along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Coconut Delight: Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut for added texture and a tropical taste. The combination of flavors creates an exotic, chewy cookie experience!
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Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising flavor twist. It’s an adventurous way to elevate your cookie game!
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 to maintain their freshness.
Fridge: For extended freshness, place cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days. This option keeps them moist and chewy.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To reheat, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the gooey chocolate and fruity cherries once again!
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, just refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. To do this, simply follow the recipe until step 6 (after folding in the chocolate chips and cherries), then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough directly onto your baking sheet, allowing for a slight increase in baking time by a couple of minutes if the dough is cold. This way, you’ll always have freshly baked cookies at a moment’s notice without any last-minute stress!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- A common mistake is overmixing the cookie dough after adding the dry ingredients; mix only until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- For a consistent size, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough, and if you prefer a less sweet cookie, consider reducing the sugar slightly.
- Remember to monitor your cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden edge while the centers remain soft and chewy.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of maraschino cherries should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose high-quality maraschino cherries that are bright red and firm. Avoid those with dark spots or an overly syrupy texture, as they can make the cookies too soggy.
How should I 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 want to extend their delicious life, keep them in the fridge, and they’ll stay moist and chewy for about a week!
Can I freeze Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Very! You can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a zip-top bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive the gooey goodness!
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is overly sticky, an easy fix is to sprinkle in 1-2 tablespoons of flour gradually, folding gently until the desired consistency is reached. This usually happens if your butter was too soft or if extra moisture was added. Remember, a little flour goes a long way!
Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
While the ingredients in Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious for humans, be cautious! The chocolate can be harmful to dogs and other pets, so it’s best to keep these cookies out of their reach. Additionally, if someone has nut allergies, simply skip adding nuts or use nut-free substitutes to ensure everyone can enjoy!
What if I want to make these cookies healthier?
You can substitute some ingredients for healthier options: use whole wheat flour for added fiber, consider a natural sweetener like coconut sugar, and add oats for extra nutrition. Just keep in mind that modifying the ingredients may change the texture slightly, but it can still be delightful!
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a treat, they’re a fond reminder that homemade goodies bring joy to every occasion! Enjoy baking!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour do not overmix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gradually and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped cherries, and nuts gently.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature.
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