These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the best of two sweet worlds: rich, melty chocolate and juicy, vibrant cherries. Every bite delivers a soft and chewy texture, making it a delightful treat for any cookie lover. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply when I crave a homemade indulgence, these cookies never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and quick it is to whip up a batch of these cookies. The combination of buttery dough, sweet cherries, and decadent chocolate chips creates an irresistible flavor profile. Whether I am baking for a party or enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies always turn out soft, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. Plus, the ingredients are simple and likely already in my pantry.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
- granulated sugar: 1 cup
- brown sugar: 1 cup, packed
- large eggs: 2
- vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- all-purpose flour: 3 cups
- baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- salt: ½ teaspoon
- maraschino cherries: 1 cup, drained and chopped
- semisweet chocolate chips: 1 cup
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: I beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually, I blend this dry mixture into the butter mixture.
Step 5: I gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
Step 6: Using a spoon, I drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: I bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn golden.
Step 8: I let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Variations
- I sometimes substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor twist.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough gives the cookies a warm, spicy note.
- I like to drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and cherry juice over the cooled cookies for an extra pop of cherry flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want them to last longer, I freeze them in a single layer in a zip-top bag, where they stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, I let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked softness.
FAQs
How do I prevent the dough from getting too wet from the cherries?
I make sure to drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and even pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping and folding them into the dough.
Can I chill the dough before baking?
Yes, I often chill the dough for about 30 minutes. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a thicker, chewier texture.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While I prefer maraschino cherries for their sweetness and color, I can use fresh cherries if I pit, chop, and dry them well to avoid excess moisture.
What kind of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?
I usually use semisweet chocolate chips, but I also love experimenting with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate chips depending on my mood.
How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?
I store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps keep the cookies soft by absorbing any extra moisture.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgic flavors and homemade comfort. Every batch fills my kitchen with a delightful aroma and results in cookies that are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey-cherry goodness. Whether I am baking for family, friends, or just for myself, this recipe never fails to satisfy. Happy baking!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Category: Cookies, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich chocolate and juicy maraschino cherries. This easy, delightful recipe is perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you crave a homemade sweet treat. Learn how to make the best cherry chocolate chip cookies with simple pantry staples!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend into the butter mixture.
- Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets briefly before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Thoroughly drain and pat the maraschino cherries dry to prevent wet dough.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can yield thicker, chewier cookies.
- Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate for flavor variations.
- A simple powdered sugar and cherry juice glaze can be drizzled over cooled cookies for extra flavor.
Leave a Reply