These fun cookies mix sweet maraschino cherries with yummy chocolate chips for a treat you won’t forget! They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for parties or just a cozy night in.
Seriously, who can resist a cookie that has a pop of cherry flavor in every bite? I sneak a few extra cherries in mine—because why not? 🍒
Making these cookies is a breeze! I just cream the butter and sugar, mix in the cherries and chocolate, and bake. It’s so simple, and the smell will make your kitchen feel like a bakery!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor in these cookies. If you want to cut calories, you can use softened coconut oil or even margarine for a dairy-free option.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: The mix of sugars ensures a chewy texture. You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a less sweet alternative, but it might change the color slightly.
Maraschino Cherries: These are sweet and bring a fun flavor. If you don’t have them or prefer less sweetness, use fresh cherries or chopped dried cherries instead, but adjust the sugar in the recipe.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are classic, but you can swap them for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The key to soft, chewy cookies is all in the mixing and baking. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Don’t over-mix the dough after adding the flour. Stir until just combined, so the cookies stay soft.
- Bake for the minimum time suggested. They might look a bit undercooked, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape and enhances the chewiness!
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 light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (include some stems for garnish if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes for baking. Additionally, you will want to allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Overall, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes to enjoy warm cookies right from your oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together with a mixer or spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, making sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is blended smoothly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your cookies soft!
6. Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries with a spatula. This will give the cookies their amazing flavor and color!
7. Form the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball—they will spread as they bake.
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Check for a lightly golden edge while the centers remain soft. They will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Garnish & Serve:
If you’d like, top a few of the cookies with whole maraschino cherries (with stems) for a fun presentation. Enjoy your sweet, colorful cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite drink!
Enjoy your chewy, sweet, and colorful maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cherries?
Absolutely! If you want to cut down on sugar, consider using fresh cherries or dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries. If using fresh, make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the dough.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
You can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio blend for best results, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Nuts to This Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch. Just mix in about 1/2 cup of nuts along with the chocolate chips and cherries in step 6!
