Delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Escape

Ah, cookies. The quintessential treat that warms your heart and soothes your soul! And today, I’m excited to share a recipe that takes the beloved chocolate chip cookie to another level of deliciousness: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you’ve been looking for a fun and festive way to indulge your sweet tooth (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), you’re in for a delightful surprise. These cookies are perfect for busy moms, professionals, or anyone needing a sweet lift in their day!

Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies combine the classic gooey charm of chocolate chips with the bright, maraschino cherry flavor that transports you straight to a sunny day. Not only are they a feast for the taste buds, but they also bring a pop of color to your cookie platter. Trust me! Every bite will have you smiling. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a fun baking session with the kiddos.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the sweet symphony of flavors, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drained and patted dry)

Pro Tip:

Always double-check if you have pears in the pantry because those chewy maraschino cherries are the real stars of this recipe. They’ve got the sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate!

Steps to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, it gives you a perfect excuse to sneak a spoonful of cookie dough. Not that we’re counting, right?

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is your chance to channel your inner pastry chef—put in that elbow grease!

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything’s mixed well. The dough should smell heavenly at this point—seriously, you might find yourself daydreaming about these cookies!

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This is a crucial step that ensures all your dry ingredients are well-distributed.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry mixture into the butter mixture until well combined. Feel free to use your hands here; cookie dough loves a personal touch!

6. Stir in the Good Stuff: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. This is where the magic happens. Just imagine the burst of cherry flavor mingling with chocolate!

7. Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Give them some space—these cookies like to spread out. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The aroma in your kitchen will be absolutely wonderful.

8. Cool and Enjoy: After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The patience will be hard, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Cooking Tips

• Use fresh cherries: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap those maraschino cherries for fresh ones when they’re in season for an even more vibrant flavor.
• Add a pinch of orange zest: For an extra zesty twist, a small amount of orange zest will elevate the flavor profile.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies should be soft in the center even after cooling. Remember, they continue to bake a bit as they cool on the tray.

A Sweet Family Memory

I remember the first time I made these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with my sister, Patricia; we were practically fighting over who got to eat the dough! It became a fun tradition during holiday seasons, and now my kids can’t resist tossing in extra chocolate chips or even a handful of nuts. It’s all about making the recipe your own—so have fun with it!

FAQs

• Can I substitute the maraschino cherries in this recipe?
  Sure! You can use dried cherries or even cranberries for a tangy spin, but be ready for a different flavor kick!

• How do I store leftover cookies?
  Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!

• Can I freeze the cookie dough?
  Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, flash-freeze them, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer for a quick treat!

Creating these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is more than just a baking session; it’s a chance to infuse your space with sweetness and joy. So, whether they’re for a family gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies are bound to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy dance moments in your kitchen. Happy baking!

Meta Description:
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect recipe for sweet cravings. Quick, easy, and delicious, these cookies will brighten your day!

For more delectable recipes and cooking tips, don’t forget to check out my Easy Family Meals page or see how to incorporate more fruits into your desserts here. Let’s keep the oven warm and the cookies coming!

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful cookies combine the classic gooey charm of chocolate chips with vibrant maraschino cherry flavor, offering a colorful and delicious treat perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cookie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drained and patted dry) Fresh cherries can be substituted.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually stir the dry mixture into the butter mixture until well combined.
• Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.

Baking

• Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.

Cooling

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Use fresh cherries for a more vibrant flavor. Adding a small amount of orange zest can enhance the taste. Don't overbake; the cookies should be soft in the center.

Keyword Baking, Chocolate Chip, Cookies, Family Recipe, Maraschino Cherry