These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! Sweet cherries and chocolate chips team up to create a colorful and delicious cookie that’s hard to resist.
Making these cookies brings back sweet memories of baking with friends. Plus, who can say no to that burst of cherry flavor? I love serving them warm with a big glass of milk—heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for a fluffy texture. If you’re out, coconut oil or margarine can work too, but they may change the flavor slightly.
Maraschino Cherries: These add a fun burst of flavor and color. If you want a healthier option, try dried cherries or cranberries instead for chewiness.
Sugars: The combo of granulated and brown sugar gives the cookies their sweetness and chew. You can use all brown sugar for a richer taste or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are traditional, but you can substitute with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even nuts for added texture. Feel free to experiment!
How Do I Get My Cookies to Turn Out Perfectly Soft?
Getting cookies to be soft and chewy relies on a few steps in the mixing and baking process.
- Start with room temperature butter to ensure it creams well with the sugars.
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until the ingredients are combined. This keeps the cookies tender.
- Bake just until the edges are golden but the centers look a bit underbaked—this helps retain moisture.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet a bit before moving to a wire rack to finish setting up.
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 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained and patted dry (chop the cherries into halves or quarters)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 9-11 minutes of baking time. So, you’ll be enjoying these scrumptious cookies in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent them from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy. This will create a nice texture for your cookies!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well blended. The batter should look smooth and glossy at this point.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and ensures your cookies rise properly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until you see no more flour. This keeps your cookies tender.
6. Fold in the Goodies:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure the cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough, which could make your cookies soggy.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Bake:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a slightly soft center. It’s okay if they look a little underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool!
9. Cool:
Once done, pull the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy:
These yummy cookies are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a glass of milk for a delightful treat!
Now go ahead and indulge in these delicious maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, a delightful blend of flavors and colors that will brighten up any snack time!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes! You can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit and chop them first. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will give a different flavor profile, as they are not as sweet and syrupy as maraschino cherries.
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a more manageable consistency. Make sure not to add too much, as this can make the cookies tough.
Can These Cookies Be Made in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough in cookie scoops and bake from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
