These easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on classic cookies! With sweet cherries and chocolate chips mixed in, they’re both colorful and tasty.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but pop a cherry or two while baking. It’s a little fun to add that surprise flavor! 🍒 Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at parties.
I love how simple this recipe is—mix, scoop, and bake! They always come out soft and chewy, making them a treat everyone enjoys. Give them a try for your next get-together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in my cookies. If you’re out, you can use margarine, but butter gives a richer flavor.
Sugars: This recipe combines granulated and brown sugars for the best texture. If you want it a bit healthier, consider using coconut sugar for a unique taste.
Cherries: Maraschino cherries add a pop of flavor and color. If you want a less sweet option, try using fresh or frozen cherries, just chop them small and drain excess liquid.
Chocolate Chips: I prefer semisweet chocolate chips for balance, but feel free to use dark or white chocolate chips, or a mix for variety!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The key to chewy cookies is all in the mixing and baking time. Here’s how to achieve the best texture:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugars well. This creates air pockets for a lighter cookie.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Just blend until you see no flour lumps.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Undercook them by a minute for softer cookies, as they’ll continue to bake on the tray.
Following these tips will help you nail that perfect chewy texture every time! Happy baking!
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 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 delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 10 minutes to bake. Just a little bit of time, and you’ll have warm, chewy cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While your oven is heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream these together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step adds air to your cookies, making them nice and soft!
3. Add Vanilla and Eggs:
Next, mix in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. This helps to incorporate everything smoothly.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until they’re well combined. This ensures that your leavening agent (baking soda) is evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! It’s okay if you see a few small flour lumps—this is key to keeping your cookies soft.
6. Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries into the dough. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture without overmixing.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
8. Decorate (Optional):
If you want to make your cookies extra special, press a whole maraschino cherry on top of each cookie before baking.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look soft. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your delightful cookies with family and friends!
These cookies are sure to bring a smile with each bite, filled with the sweetness of cherries and chocolate!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Other Types of Cherries?
Absolutely! While maraschino cherries give a sweet flavor, you can also use fresh or frozen cherries. Just remember to chop them small and drain any excess liquid to keep the dough from becoming too wet.
How Do I Store the Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavors!
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. This can actually enhance the flavor! Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking if it’s too hard to scoop.
