Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, you’re in for a treat with these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Combining the rich, gooey goodness of chocolate chips with the sweet, tart flavor of maraschino cherries, each bite is a burst of happiness. Not only are these cookies soft and chewy, but they also offer a beautiful pop of color that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The sweetness of chocolate and the tartness of cherries create a heavenly mix.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie is packed with moisture, making them irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Visually Stunning: The bright red cherries contrast beautifully with the chocolate, making these cookies a feast for the eyes.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 stick (12 tablespoons) of salted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, patted dry and chopped
• Flaked salt, for topping

Prep & Cook Tools

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect cookies.
• Whisk: To blend your dry ingredients smoothly.
• Cookie Sheet: A flat surface to bake your cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Cooling Rack: To let your cookies cool properly after baking.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. in Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, brown sugar, and regular sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Flaked Salt

Before placing them in the oven, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaked salt on top of each dough ball for an extra flavor boost.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a little underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

• Spring: Serve these cookies at a spring picnic or as a light dessert for Easter gatherings.
• Summer: Pair them with ice cream for a delightful sundae treat on hot days.
• Fall: Use them as part of a festive dessert table for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
• Winter: Gift them in decorative tins as holiday treats for friends and family.

What Could Go Wrong

• If the cookies turn out flat, your butter may have been too warm or you might have over-mixed the dough.
• Using too many cherries can result in soggy cookies; make sure to pat them dry before adding.
• If you forget to add the flaked salt, the flavors may be less balanced, so don’t skip that step.
• Not allowing the cookies to cool properly on a rack can lead to a chewy texture instead of the desired softness.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To keep your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just scoop them onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries can be used, they may release more moisture during baking, which could alter the texture of the cookies. If you decide to use fresh cherries, be sure to chop and pat them dry thoroughly before adding them to the dough.

What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?

If you forgot to take your butter out of the fridge, you can cut it into small cubes and leave it at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 5-second intervals until it’s just softened but not melted.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend you use contains xanthan gum or add it as needed for the right texture.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?

To prevent spreading, ensure that your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have the recipe and tips for making the most delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! The sweet aroma that fills your kitchen will make this experience even more rewarding. These cookies are not only a treat for yourself but also a fantastic way to show love to family and friends. Happy baking!