Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: 5 Irresistible Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

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There’s something truly magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The smell wafting through the house, the anticipation as they rise in the oven—it’s pure bliss! One of my absolute favorite recipes is for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Trust me, the combo of sweet chocolate and tangy cherries is just heavenly. I remember the first time I brought these cookies to a family gathering. They vanished in minutes! My aunt even asked for the recipe right away, and I couldn’t help but smile, knowing how much joy they brought everyone. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to create sweet memories with loved ones. So, let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Ingredients List

For these delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go—it’s going to be a delicious ride!

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to put your dough in a cold oven—it’s like starting a race before the starting gun goes off!

Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, grab that softened butter and add in both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The air you’re whipping in is going to make your cookies tender and oh-so-delicious!

Mixing in Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in those two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s just combined. You want a smooth consistency here, so keep mixing until you see no streaks of egg. That lovely vanilla aroma will surely start to fill your kitchen!

Combining Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is super important because it ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout your dough. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it; a little bit of flour showing is totally okay!

Folding in Chocolate Chips and Cherries

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the chopped maraschino cherries. I like to use a spatula for this, as it helps keep the dough light and fluffy. Make sure those cherries are sprinkled throughout so every bite is packed with flavor!

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading. Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to overbaked in a flash!

Cooling the Cookies

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up just right. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here! The cooling process is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies - detail 1

Quick Preparation: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute sweet craving or surprise guests!
Delightful Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet chocolate and tart maraschino cherries creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for Parties: With their vibrant colors and unique taste, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find these cookies simple to whip up, with straightforward steps and minimal fuss.
Versatile Treat: You can easily customize them by adding nuts or swapping in different types of chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Great for Sharing: With a yield of 24 cookies, there’s plenty to share with friends and family, or to keep all to yourself—no judgment here!

Nutritional Information Section

When it comes to enjoying Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per cookie:

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are just estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients or adjustments you make. But hey, whether you’re counting calories or just enjoying a delicious treat, these cookies are worth every bite!

Tips for Success

To make your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies truly spectacular, here are some of my top tips that I’ve learned through plenty of baking adventures:

Don’t Overbake: For that perfect chewy texture, keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so trust me, pulling them a minute early can make all the difference!
Choose the Right Cherries: I recommend using quality maraschino cherries without stems for the best flavor and texture. You want them to be sweet and vibrant, but not overly mushy. Drain them well before chopping to avoid adding excess moisture to your dough.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together more smoothly, resulting in a better cookie texture. If you forget to take them out ahead of time, you can warm the eggs in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes!
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have the time, chilling your cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour can enhance the flavors and prevent spreading. It’s a simple step that can yield even chewier cookies!
Tweak the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly. Just remember, the chocolate chips will still add sweetness, so you don’t want to cut back too much!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to baking the best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies that will wow your friends and family. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked up a batch of those delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you might be wondering how to store them properly. First off, make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them. This helps avoid any sogginess!

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I like to layer them with parchment paper in between, just to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long!

If you want to make them last even longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they’re in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pull out a cookie (or two!) and let them thaw at room temperature.

Now, if you prefer your cookies warm and gooey (who doesn’t?), you can easily reheat them! Pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be soft and delicious again. Just be careful not to overheat them, or you’ll end up with a cookie that’s more like a rock than a treat. Enjoy your sweet creations fresh or warmed up—either way, they’re going to be a hit!

FAQ Section

I know you might have some burning questions about Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, so let’s dive right into the most common ones I hear!

Can I use fresh cherries?
While fresh cherries would add a lovely flavor, I recommend sticking with maraschino cherries for this recipe. They’re sweeter and more tender, which complements the chocolate chips perfectly. If you do want to experiment with fresh cherries, make sure to chop them up finely and remove the pits, but be aware they might change the texture a bit!

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Great question! To make your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a blend that contains xanthan gum or add some to help with the texture. Your cookies will still be delicious!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your cookie dough is a bit too sticky to handle, don’t panic! This can happen sometimes. You can either chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes, which will firm it up and make it easier to scoop, or you can gradually add a little more flour—just a tablespoon at a time—until it reaches the desired consistency. You want it to be soft but manageable!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop it onto your baking sheet and bake as usual. It’s a fantastic way to have fresh cookies on hand whenever the craving hits!

Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies come out flat, it might be due to a few reasons. Check that your butter isn’t too soft—room temperature is best! Also, make sure you’re using the right measurements, especially for the flour. Too little flour can lead to excessive spreading. Lastly, baking soda should be fresh; old baking soda may not give your cookies the lift they need.

Hopefully, I’ve answered your questions! If you have more, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: 5 Irresistible Tips