These fun cookies combine chocolate chips with sweet maraschino cherries for a tasty treat! They’re chewy, colorful, and perfect for any occasion. Who can resist that cherry surprise?
I love how quick these cookies are to make! Just mix, scoop, and bake. They always bring a big smile when I share them, and I can’t help but eat a few right off the tray! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main structure for your cookies. If you’re gluten-sensitive, try using a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware it may alter the texture slightly!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness to the cookies. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute can work well, but it might change the flavor a bit.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: The mix of these two sugars gives the cookies a nice sweetness and chewiness. If you want to cut sugar, you can reduce both by a quarter, but they might be less sweet.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries add a lovely sweetness and a pop of color. If you can’t find them, chopped dried cherries or raspberry preserves could be creative alternatives!
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
The secret to soft, chewy cookies lies mainly in the way you mix and bake them. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour.
- Watch the baking time closely. Pull them out when they’re slightly underbaked, as they will continue to set while cooling.
- Chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps them thick and chewy.
These tips will help ensure you get the perfect batch of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies every time! Enjoy baking!
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve some whole for garnish if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 10-12 minutes for baking. After that, just let them cool for a bit before enjoying this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
First things first, let’s get your oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (177°C). While that’s happening, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Once they’re well combined, set this dry mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed light brown sugar. Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in 1 teaspoon of salt, too.
4. Beat in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This adds richness to your cookies!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now it’s time to add the dry flour mixture to your creamy butter mixture. Gradually add it in, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix—less is more here!
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
Gently fold in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and the chopped maraschino cherries. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the cherries up too much.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop. If you’d like, gently press a few whole cherries into the tops for a fun touch!
8. Baking Time:
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Look for golden brown edges with soft-set centers. They’ll puff up nicely!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, pull them out of the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy Your Cookies!
Now comes the best part! Enjoy your soft, chewy cookies filled with bursts of cherry sweetness and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own! 😊
These cookies are truly a treat, blending delightful flavors in every bite. Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, you can! If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them finely. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will have a tart flavor compared to the sweetness of maraschino cherries, so you might want to adjust the sugar slightly.
Can I Make These Cookies Without Eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan option. This will help keep your cookies moist and tender, though the flavor will vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a single layer, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Nuts to the Cookie Dough?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of nuts along with the chocolate chips and cherries. Enjoy the added texture!
