These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a sweet treat you can’t resist! With bright cherries and chocolate chips, they are colorful and oh-so-delicious.
I love how the cherries give a fun twist to classic cookies! They’re perfect for sharing, or you might just want to keep them all to yourself—no judgment! 😂
Making these cookies is a breeze. Just mix, scoop, and bake. I enjoy them warm, with a glass of milk. Yum! Perfect for any day that needs a little extra sweetness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, but you could use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
Cherries: Maraschino cherries are sweet and add color, but fresh cherries, chopped and pitted, can work too. If you’re looking for a different flavor, consider dried cranberries or raisins.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats help give the cookies a chewy texture. Quick oats can be substituted for a finer texture, or you could skip them entirely if you’re not a fan.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can try milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference. For a fun twist, consider using white chocolate chips.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Chewy?
Getting that perfect chewy texture requires attention to baking time and cooling. Here’s how to keep them chewy:
- Don’t overmix your dough once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined.
- Bake until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft, about 10-12 minutes.
- Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up a bit without drying out.
Enjoy making these cheerful cookies! They’re sure to brighten up your day or any gathering.
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus a brief cooling time. In total, you can expect to have these delicious cookies ready in about 30-40 minutes, perfect for a sweet snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup much easier!
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Mix them until the mixture is creamy and smooth—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter mixture. Mix again until everything is well combined. The batter should be light and fluffy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps make sure that the baking soda is evenly distributed in the flour.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may turn out tough!
6. Fold in Oats, Cherries, and Chocolate
Now it’s time to fold in the oats, chopped maraschino cherries, and chocolate chips. Use a spatula to gently incorporate these ingredients evenly throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie—they’ll spread a bit while baking!
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to still look a bit soft. Remember, they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.
9. Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for ensuring they don’t get soggy!
10. Serve with a Smile
Enjoy your chewy, sweet Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage! Everyone will love the combination of cherries and chocolate in each bite—such a delightful treat!
These cookies are not only tasty but also add a colorful pop to your baking. They are perfect for special occasions or just a fun day at home!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Jarred Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, maraschino cherries are perfect for this recipe! Make sure to drain them well before chopping to avoid excess moisture in your cookies.
What If I Don’t Have Oats?
If you don’t have old-fashioned oats, you can simply omit them or replace them with an equal amount of flour for a softer texture. Alternatively, you could use quick oats for a finer consistency.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and complement the flavors. Just be sure to keep the overall volume of mix-ins balanced so the cookies bake evenly.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further assistance! Enjoy baking! 🍪
