Growing up, my grandma had this special recipe for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies that she’d make every Christmas. The aroma of the buttery dough, the pops of cherry sweetness, and the rich chocolate chips would fill the entire house, and we’d all gather around the kitchen, anxiously waiting for the first batch to come out of the oven. There’s just something about those vibrant red maraschino cherries nestled in the warm, chewy cookie that takes me right back to those magical holiday memories.
Why This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is truly special because of the unique techniques and ingredients that make each bite an absolute delight. The key is striking the perfect balance between the sweet, tangy cherries, the rich chocolate chips, and the buttery, brown sugar-infused dough. By carefully folding in the halved maraschino cherries at just the right moment, you’ll get pockets of juicy fruit throughout without them sinking to the bottom. And the addition of both granulated and brown sugars gives the cookies a lovely chewiness and depth of flavor that’ll leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of these cookies, providing structure and a perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and achieve that ideal soft-yet-slightly-crisp outer edge.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the cookies don’t taste one-note.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes to the cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth quality and rich, buttery taste.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and caramelizes as the cookies bake, creating a delightful crispiness.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a lovely chewiness, as well as subtle molasses notes.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and gives the cookies their tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates all the other flavors and provides a comforting, homemade aroma.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved: The star of the show, adding pops of sweet-tart flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides the perfect contrast to the cherries, with their rich, melty chocolate.
Step-by-Step Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
With a total time of just 27 minutes (15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of baking), these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come together in a flash. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a baking sheet, and a cookie scoop or spoon. Let’s get started!
1- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
2- In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and light brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the halved maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
4- Scoop the dough by the rounded tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies should be slightly mounded and uniform in size.
5- Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
6- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your delectable Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best results. Cold eggs and butter can affect how the cookies spread and bake.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They may look underdone in the center when you take them out, but they’ll continue to set as they cool.
- For a fun twist, try adding a maraschino cherry half on top of each cookie before baking.
Serving and Storing Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat to enjoy on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Their sweet-tart flavor and soft, chewy texture make them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert spread. They’re sure to be a hit at parties, potlucks, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. This recipe yields 24 cookies, so you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
You can also make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough and bake as directed. This makes it easy to have freshly baked Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies on demand!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creative Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
- Add a splash of almond extract to the dough for a delightful nutty flavor.
- Substitute white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Drizzle the baked cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and maraschino cherry juice.
- Roll the dough balls in coarse sugar before baking for a sparkly, crunchy exterior.
Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). To reduce the carbs, you can use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol in place of the granulated sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While you can substitute fresh or canned cherries, maraschino cherries are the star of this recipe. Their unique sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color are what really make these cookies special.
Q: How long do these cookies take to bake?
A: According to the recipe, the total baking time for these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is 12 minutes. Be sure to rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even browning.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months for even quicker homemade cookies.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe yield?
A: This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe makes 24 servings.
Q: What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
A: If the cookies spread excessively, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, using slightly less butter, or adding an extra 1-2 tablespoons of flour to the dough.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips in these irresistible cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
– Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
– In a large bowl, beat the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
– Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
– Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
– Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra cherry flavor, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice to the dough. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a true delight, blending the sweet-tart cherries, rich chocolate chips, and a buttery, brown sugar-infused dough into one irresistible treat. With their vibrant color, chewy texture, and incredible flavor, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a family favorite. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the magic for yourself. Be sure to let me know how they turn out – I can’t wait to hear what you think!
