Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate chips, baked into soft and chewy cookies. Perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or an anytime treat, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Fruity: Maraschino cherries add a burst of sweetness and color to every bite.
• Perfectly Chewy: A soft, tender texture with just the right amount of crisp edges.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Loaded with gooey chocolate chips that complement the cherries beautifully.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt for dietary preferences or alternative flavors.
• Festive and Fun: A great choice for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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, chopped and well-drained
• 1½ cups chocolate chips

Substitution Options

• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan butter.
• Tart Twist: Use dried cherries or cranberries instead of maraschino cherries.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and evenly baked cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract for a boost of flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Ensure the cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Step 7: Prepare the Dough

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. This will ensure a chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Festive Touch: Sprinkle red or green sugar on top for a holiday look.
• Coconut: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Storage and Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries are too juicy for this recipe, but you can use dried cherries or drain fresh cherries thoroughly and chop finely.

2. Why do I need to pat the maraschino cherries dry?

Removing excess moisture ensures the cookies maintain their soft and chewy texture.

3. Can I use white chocolate chips?

Absolutely! White chocolate pairs beautifully with the maraschino cherries.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking.

5. How can I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes if needed.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches.

7. Are these cookies good for gifting?

Definitely! Their festive appearance and unique flavor make them ideal for holiday gift boxes.

8. What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?

Use a sharp knife and pat them dry with paper towels after chopping to remove excess juice.

9. Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, use a smaller scoop and adjust the baking time to 8–10 minutes.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be golden, and the centers should look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a sweet and festive treat that combines the best of fruity and chocolatey flavors. Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or any time you’re craving something unique, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Bake a batch today and enjoy their irresistible charm!

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