Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie that many of us know and love. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy cookie that combines the rich, velvety taste of chocolate chips with the sweet, tangy burst of maraschino cherries. This unique combination not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a pop of color to your dessert table, making them perfect for any occasion.
These cookies have a charming history, often associated with festive gatherings and celebrations. The maraschino cherry, originally from Croatia, has become a beloved ingredient in many desserts, adding a touch of nostalgia and joy. People adore Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies for their delightful texture—crispy on the edges yet soft and gooey in the center. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Join me as we dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Preparing the Dough
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this step, but you can also do it by hand with a wooden spoon. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a lovely flavor to your cookies.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Adding the Goodies
- Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and nuts (if using) into the dough. I like to use a spatula for this to ensure everything is evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
- Once everything is well combined, let the dough rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to scoop the cookies later.
Scooping and Baking
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. I usually fit about 12 cookies per sheet.
- Once your baking sheet is full, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven.
- After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely.
Storing and Enjoying
- Once your cookies are completely cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit. The combination of chocolate and cherries is simply irresistible!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can cut it into small pieces and microwave it for about 10 seconds to soften it slightly.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, you can add a splash of cherry juice from the maraschino cherry jar into the dough.
- If you prefer a chewier cookie, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to develop the flavors and gives the cookies a nice texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add-ins
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cookie game. The delightful combination of sweet, tangy cherries and rich chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look stunning with their vibrant red cherries peeking through the golden-brown cookie dough, making them perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with variations by adding nuts for a crunchy texture or swapping out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a picture of your delicious creations. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of these scrumptious cookies! Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Enjoy the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet maraschino cherries in these soft and chewy cookies. Ideal for any occasion, they offer a delightful twist on a classic treat!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and nuts (if using) into the dough.
- Let the dough rest for about 10-15 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look underbaked but will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, add a splash of cherry juice from the maraschino cherry jar.
- For chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add-ins.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes