Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp almond extract; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; Pink or red food coloring (optional)

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies on a cooling rack with vibrant pink hues and scattered chocolate chips.

December 1, 2024

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There’s something magical about the combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. These cookies bring together the sweetness of cherries and the richness of semi-sweet chocolate in a soft, chewy delight. Perfect for brightening up holiday cookie trays or adding a pop of color to your dessert table, this recipe is a showstopper. Not only do they taste amazing, but their vibrant pink hue (thanks to optional food coloring) makes them a festive favorite for occasions like Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply indulging in a midweek treat, these cookies are bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a breeze to make, even for beginners. With a straightforward ingredient list and minimal prep time, you’ll have warm, fresh cookies in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings, gifting during the holidays, or satisfying a sudden sweet tooth.

Suitable For

This recipe is ideal for all skill levels, from first-time bakers to seasoned pros. Its colorful, cheerful appearance makes it a hit at holiday celebrations, cookie exchanges, or casual family treats. Plus, the flexibility in ingredients means you can tweak it to fit your dietary needs.

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Core Ingredients

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb.
Sugar (½ cup) and Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Creates the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Eggs (2 large): Essential for binding the dough and adding moisture.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) and Almond Extract (½ tsp): Adds depth to the flavor, with almond extract complementing the cherries.
All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups): The foundation for the cookie dough.
Baking Soda (1 tsp): Ensures a light, airy texture.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor.
Maraschino Cherries (10 oz jar, drained and chopped): The star ingredient, lending sweetness and a pop of color.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Balances the cherry’s sweetness with rich chocolate flavor.
Food Coloring (Optional): Adds a festive pink hue for visual appeal.

Substitutions and Tips

Butter Alternatives: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Sugar Substitutes: Swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
Cherries: Substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries for a less sugary option.
Dietary Adjustments: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal for a vegan version or use gluten-free flour for gluten intolerance.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

Baking Sheets: Essential for evenly baking cookies.
Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Nice-to-Have Tools

Silicone Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the bowl.
Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy.
Cookie Scoop: For uniform-sized cookies that bake evenly.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Preparing these basics first makes the process seamless.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for a fragrant base.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. If you want to give the cookies a festive pink color, add a few drops of food coloring now and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

Creating the perfect batch of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies isn’t just about following the recipe – it’s about paying attention to details! Here’s how to ensure consistent flavor and texture:

Chill the Dough: If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up, keeping your cookies thick and chewy.
Measure Precisely: Baking is a science. Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and measuring spoons for extracts to maintain the right ratios.
Avoid Overbaking: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are lightly golden. They will continue to bake on the tray, creating the perfect soft center.
Even Cherry Distribution: Pat the chopped cherries dry before folding them into the dough to prevent excess moisture from altering the texture.

How to Store Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

At Room Temperature

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. Layer parchment paper between cookies to avoid sticking. This method preserves their softness and chewiness.

In the Refrigerator

Extend the shelf life by refrigerating the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing Tips

For longer storage, freeze the cookies:

Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between cookies. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven for that freshly baked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies flatten out, it might be due to warm dough or insufficient flour. Chill the dough before baking to firm up the butter. Ensure you’re measuring flour correctly – scoop and level instead of packing it into the measuring cup.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, but fresh cherries are juicier, which could make the dough wetter. To adjust, pat the cherries dry and consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to balance the moisture.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan version.

What’s the best way to chop cherries for this recipe?

To evenly distribute cherries, chop them into small, consistent pieces. Use a sharp knife, and blot them dry with a paper towel to remove excess juice before folding them into the dough.

Related Recipes

If you loved this divinity candy recipe, you might enjoy these other sweet treats:

Peach Dump Cake: A simple, fruity dessert with a buttery crumble topping.
Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes: Zesty, fruity cupcakes with a burst of raspberry flavor.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes: Classic flavors in individual cupcake portions.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake: A rich and indulgent cake for peanut butter lovers.
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake: Sweet and tart with a simple preparation.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for holidays, parties, or any time you crave something sweet and colorful. With their chewy texture, bursts of cherry flavor, and rich chocolate chips, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try the recipe, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to leave a comment or photo to let us know how it turned out. Happy baking! 🍒🍪