Get ready for a fun twist on classic cookies! These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies mix sweet cherries with yummy chocolate chips for a treat that’s hard to resist.
Trust me, the cherries add a pop of color and flavor that makes these cookies special. I always love to share them, but I usually end up keeping a few for myself! 🍪❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of your cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but real butter gives a richer flavor.
Cherries: Maraschino cherries add sweetness and a lovely splash of color. If you prefer a fresher option, you can use chopped dried cherries, but they will change the cookies’ texture slightly.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar creates a wonderful balance of sweetness and chewiness. If you need a healthier option, coconut sugar or a sugar substitute can work, but the flavor may be different.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but you can swap them for milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie or dark chocolate if you love a more intense cocoa flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To get that perfect soft and chewy texture, focus on a few key techniques:
- Don’t overmix the dough when adding the flour. Just mix until everything is combined.
- Take the cookies out of the oven when the edges look golden but the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack, which helps maintain moisture.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious cookies that taste amazing and have a delightful texture every time!
How to Make Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve a few whole for garnish if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to make these delightful cookies. Plus, a little time to cool off before enjoying them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping for Baking:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough when you put your cookies in. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed until it’s nice and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each. Don’t forget the vanilla extract—stir that in too!
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the baking soda, so your cookies rise perfectly and have that yummy soft texture.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined; you don’t want to overmix. Then fold in those delicious chocolate chips and the chopped maraschino cherries, taking care to keep the cherries intact for bursts of flavor in your cookies!
5. Shaping and Baking:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between them. If you like, you can press a whole maraschino cherry on top of some cookies for a pretty touch.
6. Baking and Cooling:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown while the centers still look soft—that’s perfect! After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Enjoying Your Cookies:
Now comes the best part—enjoying your sweet creations! Each cookie is a delightful mix of cherry flavor and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
This recipe yields about 24 delicious cookies, making it a fun and festive treat for any occasion! Enjoy!
FAQ: Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Different Types of Cherries?
While maraschino cherries are ideal for their sweetness and vibrant color, you can also use fresh or frozen cherries. Make sure to chop them well and adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly since fresh cherries can be less sweet.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
What Can I Substitute for the Butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Just make sure the substitute is softened for easy mixing!
