If you’re looking for a sweet treat with a fun, fruity twist, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are just what you need! Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate chips and maraschino cherries, these cookies are a delightful combination of classic flavors with a pop of color. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just because!
Why You’ll Love These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Burst of Flavor: Sweet maraschino cherries add a fruity twist to traditional chocolate chip cookies.
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies are soft in the center with a slight crisp around the edges.
- Eye-Catching Treat: The bright red cherries make these cookies as pretty as they are delicious!
Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (optional, for extra cherry flavor)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
- Drain the maraschino cherries and chop them into small pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). 3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips
6. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. If you want a more intense cherry flavor, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice with the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
7. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. 9. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. 10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
- These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a cold glass of milk or even make ice cream sandwiches by using your favorite ice cream in between two cookies.
Tips for the Best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Pat Dry the Cherries: Make sure to dry the cherries well to prevent too much moisture from affecting the texture of the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Storage Instructions:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: You can, but fresh cherries will have more moisture, which may affect the cookie’s texture. Be sure to pat them dry thoroughly and reduce the cherry juice in the recipe.
Q2: Can I use white chocolate chips instead?
A: Absolutely! White chocolate pairs wonderfully with the cherries and will give a different, sweeter flavor profile.
Q3: How do I keep the cookies soft?
A: Store the cookies with a slice of bread in the container—the bread will help keep the cookies soft for a longer time.
Conclusion: A Fruity, Chewy Delight!
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun, fruity take on a beloved classic. With the perfect balance of sweet cherries and rich chocolate, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event. Try them out, and enjoy a batch of these chewy, colorful cookies!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 180
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
