These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on the classic treat! The sweet cherries add a burst of flavor while chocolate chips bring the melty goodness we all love.
Trust me, the combination of cherries and chocolate is a huge win! I enjoy making a batch to share, but sometimes I keep them all to myself. Can you blame me? 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is great for controlling salt levels in the cookies. If you’re in a pinch, use salted butter but reduce the added salt slightly.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The mix of sugars gives the cookies a nice texture and flavor. You can swap out brown sugar for coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Maraschino Cherries: These sweet cherries are the star here! If you prefer less sweetness, consider using fresh or frozen cherries (just remember to chop them small). You could even try dried cherries for a different twist!
Rolled Oats: They add a chewy texture to the cookies. Quick oats can be used instead but might result in a softer cookie structure.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Cookies?
Getting the right texture is crucial to enjoy these cookies! Follow these techniques for the best results:
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter helps achieve a light and fluffy dough.
- Don’t overmix after adding the flour; just combine until no visible flour remains. This prevents tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies that hold their shape better.
- Monitor baking time closely. Remove cookies when the edges are lightly golden; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
By following these tips, you’ll have cookies that are soft in the center with just the right amount of crunch! Enjoy baking! 🍒🍪
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 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 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained & chopped (pat dry to remove excess moisture)
Time Needed:
This cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake. So, after just a bit of mixing and waiting, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a great temperature for baking cookies! While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a different bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly.
4. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! This keeps your cookies tender.
5. Add Oats, Chocolate Chips, and Cherries:
Now it’s time to fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The colorful cherries will make your cookies look beautiful!
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them space to spread as they bake.
7. Bake:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
*Tip:* To keep your cookies at their best texture, make sure to drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries before adding them to the dough. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the cookie’s consistency.
Enjoy baking and savor your delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just note that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture, giving your cookies a more caramel-like taste.
What If I Can’t Find Maraschino Cherries?
No worries! You can use fresh cherries, pitted and chopped, or even dried cherries for a different flavor twist. If using fresh cherries, make sure to drain any excess juice to keep the dough from becoming too moist.
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for several months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet directly from the fridge and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if the dough is cold.
