Late-night cravings can lead to the most delightful kitchen explorations! One such adventure resulted in my Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, a sweet twist on the classic favorite. These cookies merge the tangy burst of maraschino cherries with rich chocolate chips, creating a treat that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious. The best part? This recipe is not only quick to whip up—taking less than 40 minutes from start to finish—but it also promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re indulgently baking for family or looking to impress at your next potluck, you’ll find that each bite offers a nostalgic nod to childhood favorites. So, are you ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cherry and chocolate? Let’s get started!
Why make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Unique Combination: These cookies combine the sweet, tangy flavors of maraschino cherries with the rich, melty goodness of chocolate chips, creating a taste sensation that's hard to resist.
Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and a total time of under 40 minutes, these cookies fit perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.
Fun and Colorful: Their vibrant red cherries make them a delightful addition to any dessert table, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Soft and Chewy: The chewy texture paired with the gooey chocolate center will have everyone coming back for seconds, making these cookies a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
Endless Pairings: Enjoy them alone or as a delicious companion to milk, ice cream, or even your morning coffee! Get ready to bake some memories with these scrumptious treats.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Softened for easy mixing and a rich texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy dough.
• Brown Sugar – Introduces moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Large Eggs – Bind the ingredients together, ensuring a soft and chewy cookie.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; be careful not to overmix for the best chewiness.
• Baking Soda – Leavens the cookies, giving them a light rise.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
For the Add-ins
• Maraschino Cherries – Drained and chopped to give bursts of flavor in every bite; use the syrup for sweetening other desserts!
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Melty and rich, these are essential for the classic chocolate chip experience.
So there you have it—everything you need to create your very own batch of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! Gather these ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will help your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly, ensuring a delightful golden-brown bottom that signals they are ready to enjoy.
Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat these ingredients together until they become light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and pale, which indicates it's ready for the next step.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the two large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. This process helps to create a rich batter. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma—signs that your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are on the way!
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this flour mixture into your creamed mixture, using a spatula or mixer on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will affect the chewy texture of your cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Cherry and Chocolate
Gently fold in 1 cup of drained and chopped maraschino cherries along with 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Aim for an even distribution to ensure every bite of your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is a delightful balance of chocolate and cherry flavor.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. You’ll want about 12 cookies per sheet to ensure they bake evenly while avoiding any overcrowding.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch as the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and set. This is a key indicator that your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfectly baked and ready to be taken out!
Step 8: Cooling Time
Once baked, allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks. This step ensures a gentle finish to the cooking process and helps the cookies maintain their chewy texture. Let the cookies cool completely before diving in!
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s nothing quite like a plate of soft, chewy cookies to bring family and friends together for a cozy gathering.
- Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! The creamy goodness of milk balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Rich Hot Cocoa: Delight in the warmth of hot cocoa, accentuating the chocolatey notes of your cookies for an indulgent treat during chilly evenings.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of fruits introduces a burst of freshness, providing a lovely contrast to the rich flavors of cookies.
- Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Let’s create a cookie sundae! Pairing with vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture and a hint of vanilla that complements the cookies beautifully.
- Coffee or Espresso: The slightly bitter notes cut through the sweetness, enhancing the cranial flavors while giving that much-needed caffeine kick.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Serve as an elegant option, enriching the chocolate experience and adding a light, fruity element to the cookie feast.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Their creamy richness pairs gorgeously with your chewy cookies, offering a delightful mixture of textures on your dessert platter.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The contrast of sweet and salty adds a playful crunch, making every bite a delightful adventure.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop on top of your cookie or a side dish gives sweetness without overwhelming your lovely Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and chewy.
Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, which will slightly alter the texture, making them firmer.
Freezer: Freeze cookies individually in airtight bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore chewiness.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, bringing back that gooey chocolate goodness and delightful cherry flavor.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to make this delightful recipe your own with these fun and tasty twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten. A 1:1 blend works wonders here!
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Nutty Addition: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch and added depth to each bite. The nutty flavor complements the cherries beautifully!
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Oatmeal Boost: Replace 1 cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewier texture and a wholesome twist. They add heartiness and a unique dimension that makes these cookies even more satisfying.
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Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick. The heat pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness, adding excitement to each bite!
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Coconut Delight: Fold in ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair. The chewy texture of coconut blends well with cherries, creating a party in your mouth!
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Cherry Swap: Use candied cherries or dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries for a different flavor profile. Each option offers a unique sweetness and chewy texture that changes the dynamic of the cookie.
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Vegan Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). These adjustments create a delicious vegan treat while maintaining moisture and flavor.
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Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips to amplify the indulgence. Each variation enhances the richness, creating an unforgettable experience for chocolate lovers!
Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creaming Technique: Use room temperature butter to ensure it creams well with sugars, creating a light, fluffy texture that’s essential for your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Be cautious when incorporating the flour mixture; overmixing leads to tough cookies rather than the soft, chewy texture you desire.
Use Quality Cherries: Opt for high-quality maraschino cherries for maximum flavor; they should be bright and plump, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.
Spacing Matters: Ensure each scoop of dough is spaced about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking, preventing any merging.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake—oven variations can cause them to bake faster or slower. Remove them when the edges are golden for soft centers!
Storage Secrets: To maintain freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for longer-lasting indulgence.
Make Ahead Options
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the step where you would scoop the dough, then cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, making the cookies just as delicious when baked later. When you're ready to enjoy them, preheat your oven and scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets. Bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if the dough is particularly cold. This makes baking on busy weeknights a breeze!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Look for bright red, plump maraschino cherries without dark spots or a dull appearance. The brighter the cherry, the more vibrant the flavor it will impart to your cookies. If you want to make your cookies extra special, consider using brand-name cherries known for their rich taste.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very! Store your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week for optimal freshness and chewiness. For extended storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but they may become a bit firmer.
Can I freeze these cookies, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, or microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain their chewy texture.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Don’t worry! If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to overly soft butter or not chilling the dough. To remedy this, next time, ensure you use properly softened butter (not melted) and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape for beautiful, chewy cookies!
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
Very much! The Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies contain common allergens like eggs and gluten from all-purpose flour. If you're baking for someone with a specific allergy, I recommend using gluten-free flour and egg substitutes, like flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg), to make these cookies more universally friendly.
How will the texture of the cookies change if refrigerated?
Absolutely! When refrigerated, your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies will firm up a bit. While this can alter the intended chewy texture, they will still be enjoyable. For the best experience, consider reheating them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their original softness!
Irresistibly Chewy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
