These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! They are soft, chewy, and full of sweet cherries and delicious chocolate chips.
Who knew cherries could make cookies so much more exciting? They really add a little pop of color and flavor. Trust me, these cookies are great for sharing—or not! 😉
I love making a batch of these cookies for a sweet pick-me-up. The combination of flavors is just perfect, and they are super easy to whip up whenever I crave something yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since it lets you control the saltiness in your cookies. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries offer sweetness and a fun texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try dried cherries or fresh cherries, chopped and pitted. Just adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chips work well, but feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor. You could also reduce the quantity if you prefer less chocolate.
Flour: All-purpose flour is a must here, but for a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is crucial for fluffy cookies. It helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies a nice texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with softened butter—it should be at room temperature. If you press it, it should leave a slight indent.
- In a large bowl, add the butter along with both sugars. Use an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Cream together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Don’t rush this step! Proper creaming makes a big difference in the final cookie.
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon 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)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 8 to 10 minutes to bake. After baking, allow an additional 5 minutes for the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. So, all in all, expect to spend about 30 minutes to enjoy these tasty cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so your cookies don’t stick!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Mix it until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes, and it makes your cookies nice and airy!
3. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and give it another good mix until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps mix the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir it gently until just combined; you don’t want to overmix. A few flour streaks are okay!
6. Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
Now, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure they’re evenly spread throughout the cookie dough for some delicious bites!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon, scoop rounded amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. If you’d like, place a whole maraschino cherry on top of some cookies for an extra touch!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You should see the edges turning golden, but the centers will still look a bit soft—this is perfect for chewy cookies!
9. Cool Down:
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your easy maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies are ready to be served! Enjoy them fresh, share them with friends, or save them for later. Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes! You can substitute all granulated sugar or all brown sugar if you prefer. Just keep in mind that using more brown sugar will give your cookies a chewier texture and a richer flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Maraschino Cherries?
If you’d like to replace maraschino cherries, try using dried cherries, fresh cherries, or even chopped strawberries for a fruity twist. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness, as fresh fruit can be less sweet than maraschino cherries.
How Do 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 sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
