Growing up, I can still vividly remember the aroma of freshly baked Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies wafting through our family home. It was a special occasion when my mom would pull out this treasured recipe, and the joy it brought to my siblings and me was truly unmatched. The vibrant red cherries nestled amongst the gooey chocolate chips, the soft and chewy texture, and the perfect balance of sweetness – it was pure heaven in cookie form. To this day, the mere thought of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies takes me back to those carefree childhood memories, and I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you.
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Why This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
What makes this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe so special? It all comes down to the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet maraschino cherries, rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a buttery, chewy cookie base creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. But the real secret lies in the techniques used to achieve the ultimate Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
First and foremost, chopping the maraschino cherries ensures that you get a burst of that signature cherry flavor in every bite, without overpowering the other ingredients. Secondly, the use of both granulated and brown sugar adds depth and complexity to the cookie dough, resulting in a perfectly soft and chewy texture. And let’s not forget the importance of properly creaming the butter and sugars – this step is crucial for achieving that classic cookie spread and crinkly top.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – This provides the structure and base for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape and have a satisfying bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – The baking soda is the leavening agent that gives the cookies their signature rise and soft, chewy interior.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A small amount of salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors in the dough.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Unsalted butter is the foundation of the cookie dough, providing richness and a delectable mouthfeel.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – The granulated sugar contributes to the crisp edges and overall sweetness of the cookies.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor, complementing the chocolate chips and maraschino cherries.
- 2 large eggs – The eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the cookies together and giving them a tender, cake-like texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Vanilla is a classic cookie flavor that enhances the other ingredients and ties the whole recipe together.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped – These vibrant, sweet cherries are the star of the show, adding a burst of flavor in every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – The rich chocolate chips provide a perfect contrast to the cherry flavor, creating a truly decadent cookie.
Step-by-Step Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time for these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is just 15 minutes, and they bake for 12 minutes, for a total time of 27 minutes. To get started, you’ll need a large mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a baking sheet, and a cooling rack.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily from the pan.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside for now.
3- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This crucial step incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a beautifully soft and chewy texture.
4- Next, add the two large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until combined.
5- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
6- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough before baking: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days) helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop a chewier texture.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Bringing the butter, eggs, and cherries to room temperature before mixing ensures better incorporation and a more consistent dough.
- Scoop the dough with a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon ensures that your cookies are uniform in size, resulting in even baking.
- Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time, as you want them to be just set but still soft in the center. Overbaked cookies can become dry and crumbly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving: This allows the cookies to firm up and the flavors to meld together, creating the perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie experience.
Serving and Storing Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a classic pairing. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
When it comes to serving, this recipe yields 24 cookies, so it’s great for sharing with friends and family. They’re sure to be a hit at potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings. Just be sure to have plenty on hand, as these cookies have a way of disappearing quickly!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if needed. To store them, let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen cookies will keep for up to 3 months.
If you’d like to make the dough in advance, you can prepare it, scoop it into balls, and freeze the unbaked dough. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This is a great way to have freshly baked cookies on demand!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creative Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
While this classic Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on it:
- Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies: Swap out the chocolate chips for chopped almonds for a nutty twist.
- Maraschino Cherry Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the dough for a heartier, chewier texture.
- Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies: Fold in chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Coconut Cookies: Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your needs:
Gluten-Free Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Vegan Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, per egg).
Low-Carb Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use a sugar-free sweetener, such as erythritol or monk fruit, in place of the granulated and brown sugars. Opt for sugar-free chocolate chips as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cherry instead of maraschino?
A: While maraschino cherries are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other types of cherries, such as fresh, frozen, or even dried. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Q: How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: To keep the cookies from spreading excessively, make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can also try reducing the amount of butter or using a higher ratio of flour to fat.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also scoop and freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months, baking them straight from the freezer as needed.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe yields 24 cookies, based on the ingredient amounts provided.
Q: My cookies came out too cakey or crumbly. What could be the issue?
A: If your cookies are coming out too cakey or crumbly, it could be due to over-mixing the dough or using too much flour. Make sure to mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined, and be sure to measure the flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips in these irresistible cookies. Perfectly chewy and ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
– 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
6. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For a chunkier cookie, use coarsely chopped maraschino cherries. You can also add a touch of almond extract for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a true classic that never fails to bring a smile to people’s faces. With their vibrant cherry flavor, rich chocolate chips, and perfectly soft and chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a new family favorite.
I hope this detailed recipe has inspired you to try your hand at making these delightful treats. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet indulgence, Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to hit the spot. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how they turned out! Enjoy!
