Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet and Chewy Delight!

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There’s something magical about the combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with their bright cherry pops against a golden brown cookie backdrop. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just indulge yourself, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite!

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Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try

A Perfect Flavor Combo

The sweet, juicy maraschino cherries add a delightful contrast to the rich, melty chocolate chips, creating a cookie that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Each bite delivers a chewy, buttery cookie dotted with vibrant cherry and chocolate chunks.

Simple and Quick

With just 15 minutes of prep time and a quick bake, these cookies are perfect for satisfying those sudden sweet cravings or for whipping up a batch when you’re short on time.

Great for All Occasions

Whether you’re making a batch for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just to have a sweet treat on hand, these cookies are always a hit. Plus, they’re so pretty, they double as an impressive gift when packed in a cute tin!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈 – The base of our rich, tender cookie dough.
1 cup granulated sugar 🍚 – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a slightly crisp edge.
1 cup brown sugar, packed 🍯 – Contributes to a chewy texture and deep caramel flavor.

2 large eggs 🥚 – Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
2 tsp vanilla extract 🌟 – Enhances the flavor of both the cherries and the chocolate.
3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾 – Provides structure to the cookies.

1 tsp baking soda 🧁 – Gives the cookies a little lift, ensuring they’re not too dense.
1/2 tsp salt 🧂 – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped 🍒 – The star ingredient, adding bursts of color and sweetness.

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips 🍫 – Because chocolate makes everything better!

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowls – For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
Electric mixer – To cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

Baking sheets – Lined with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
Wire racks – For cooling the cookies evenly.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender, well-textured cookie.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

5. Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Prepare to Bake

Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue to set as they cool.

8. Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them firm up while maintaining their chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

Ice Cream Sandwiches: Pair two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set for an extra-chocolatey finish.
With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These cookies are the perfect companion to your favorite warm beverage.

Tips for the Best Cookies

Use Softened Butter: This makes it easier to cream with the sugars, ensuring a smooth dough.

Drain the Cherries Well: Too much liquid from the cherries can make the dough too wet, affecting the texture of the cookies.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough seems too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies keep their shape.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months; just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, but be sure to pit and chop them finely, and drain any excess juice to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.

What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even chopped nuts for a different flavor and texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze it in portioned balls for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate combination of sweet and chewy with a pop of tartness from the cherries. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Give them a try, and watch them disappear!

Looking for more cherry-inspired recipes? Don’t miss our Cherry Almond Biscotti and Chocolate Cherry Brownies!

Tried this recipe? Be sure to leave a review and share your cookie creations on Instagram or Pinterest! 🍒🍪