Growing up, my grandma used to make the most incredible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. The way her kitchen would fill with the aroma of buttery cookies and the sweet, fruity scent of the cherries is a memory I’ll never forget. I can still see her carefully placing the vibrant red cherries and glistening chocolate chips onto each perfectly baked cookie, with so much love and attention to detail. Those cookies were always the highlight of any family gathering, and everyone would fight over the last few, not wanting the experience to end.
As I got older and started baking on my own, I knew I had to recreate Grandma’s famous Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. After countless attempts and tweaks, I finally perfected the recipe, and it’s become a staple in my repertoire. These cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and chocolatey, and they always bring a smile to the faces of everyone who tries them.
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 is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tartness of the maraschino cherries perfectly complements the rich, decadent chocolate chips, while the soft, chewy cookie base ties it all together. The secret is in the use of both granulated and brown sugar, which creates a depth of flavor and a beautifully crisp yet tender texture.
Additionally, the addition of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, and the careful handling of the cherries ensures they remain juicy and flavorful throughout the baking process. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total time of 22 minutes, these cookies are a breeze to make, yet they taste like they came straight from a high-end bakery.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and chewiness of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and achieve the perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies their rich, buttery taste and tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Contributes to the cookies’ crisp edges and chewy centers.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cookies.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped: The star of the show, providing a delightful burst of tartness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Perfectly complements the cherries and creates an irresistible chocolate flavor.
Step-by-Step Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 12 minutes, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. To get started, you’ll need a large mixing bowl, a hand mixer or a stand mixer, a baking sheet, and a wire rack for cooling the cookies.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5- Gradually add the dry ingredients from the medium bowl to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry pockets remain.
6- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the semi-sweet chocolate chips, taking care not to overmix.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking – this helps the cookies keep their shape and develop a better texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality maraschino cherries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overly sweet or watery cherries.
- Gently fold in the cherries and chocolate chips to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cookies.
- Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for even cooking and to prevent overcrowding.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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 perfect sweet treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. They also make a great addition to any holiday spread, potluck, or bake sale, as the festive red and green colors are sure to catch everyone’s eye.
Since this recipe yields 24 cookies, it’s the perfect amount to share with friends, family, or coworkers. You can also package them up in a cute box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
When ready to serve, thaw the frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to help them regain their soft, chewy texture.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creative Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try these fun variations on the classic Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies: Substitute the chocolate chips with toasted sliced almonds for a nutty twist.
- Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Cookies: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter, creamier cookie.
- Maraschino Cherry Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the dough for a heartier, chewier texture.
Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe to be gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also use gluten-free baking soda and chocolate chips.
- Vegan: Replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative, the eggs with flax or chia eggs, and use vegan chocolate chips.
- Low-Carb: Swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a low-carb flour blend, and use a sugar-free sweetener in place of the granulated and brown sugars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While you can certainly use regular cherries, the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same. Maraschino cherries have a unique sweetness and firmness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate chips.
Q: How long do these cookies take to bake?
A: The total time for this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is 22 minutes, with a prep time of 10 minutes and a cook time of 12 minutes.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake the cookies as directed.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, making it the perfect amount to share with friends, family, or take to a potluck.
Q: What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
A: If your cookies are spreading excessively, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and use a larger scoop or ball the dough into taller mounds before placing them on the baking sheet.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 22
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips in these homemade Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
– 2 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 brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 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, cream the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a chunkier texture, you can chop the maraschino cherries into larger pieces. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a true delight, and I hope you’ll give them a try. The combination of sweet, tart, and chocolatey flavors is simply irresistible, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll be whipping up batch after batch. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a delicious homemade treat, these cookies are sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
