Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The perfect balance of chocolate and cherry flavors
- Soft and chewy texture with a slight crisp on the edges
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- A unique take on traditional chocolate chip cookies
- Great for holidays, parties, or everyday treats
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Chocolate chips
- Maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier taste.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Cherry Almond Flavor: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, store them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
How do I keep the cookies from becoming too soft?
Be sure to drain the maraschino cherries well before adding them to the dough to avoid excess moisture.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, but fresh cherries have more moisture, so pat them dry before chopping and adding them to the dough.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but milk or dark chocolate chips also work well depending on your preference.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help keep the cookies from spreading too thin.
Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?
Yes! Just adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller cookies may bake in 8–10 minutes, while larger ones may take 12–14 minutes.
Can I substitute butter with margarine?
You can, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter provides a richer taste.
What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?
Use a sharp knife and pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping to minimize excess liquid.
Can I add cocoa powder to the dough for extra chocolate flavor?
Yes! Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a double chocolate version.
How do I make the cookies chewier?
Slightly underbaking them and letting them cool on the baking sheet will keep them extra chewy.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic chocolate-cherry combination. Whether you make them for a special occasion or as a simple treat, they’re sure to be a hit. With their soft, chewy texture and bursts of chocolate and cherry flavor, these cookies are irresistible!
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, combining sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips for a unique treat. With a chewy texture and a slight crisp edge, they are perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you crave a deliciously sweet and slightly tart cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Variations: You can swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage/Reheating: Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for a firmer texture or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
