These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, combining rich chocolate chunks with the sweet-tart pop of maraschino cherries. The result? A chewy, buttery cookie studded with bursts of flavor and color that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want to add a little pizzazz to your baking. With their vibrant red specks and indulgent chocolate, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor)
- 3/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries , patted dry (to prevent excess moisture)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Colored sprinkles , for extra festivity
- White chocolate chips , for a tri-color effect
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Finely chop the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess syrup. This step ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes .
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries using a spatula. Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- If desired, press a few extra chocolate chips or sprinkles on top of each cookie for a decorative touch.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Festive Flair: The red cherries make these cookies perfect for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
- Sweet-Tart Flavor Combo: The juicy cherries balance the richness of the chocolate for a delightful contrast.
- Easy to Customize: Swap dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even nuts to suit your taste.
Tips for Success:
- Pat Those Cherries Dry: Removing excess moisture is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before baking.
- Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality chocolate chips will elevate the flavor of your cookies.
Ways to Enjoy Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Holiday Treats: Package them in festive tins or bags for gifting during the holidays.
- Party Desserts: Serve them at themed parties or gatherings—they’re always a hit!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
- Breakfast Indulgence: Pair a warm cookie with coffee or milk for a sweet morning treat.
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are proof that sometimes the simplest tweaks can create something extraordinary. With their chewy texture, vibrant colors, and irresistible mix of flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So grab your cherries, melt that chocolate, and get ready to enjoy a batch of festive, flavorful goodness! 🍒
