These cookies are a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip! The maraschino cherries add a pop of color and a sweet burst of flavor that makes them extra special.
Honestly, who can resist a chocolate chip cookie with a cherry on top? My family loves to snack on these, and they never last long! 🍪💕
I love making these cookies when I want a treat that’s easy and charming. I just mix the dough, add the cherries and chocolate chips, and bake—so simple and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is perfect for creaming, helping achieve a soft texture. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt a bit.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: This combo gives cookies sweetness and chewiness. You can swap in coconut sugar for a lighter flavor or even use all brown sugar for a deeper molasses taste.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries bring a tart, sweet kick! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try dried cherries instead, though they won’t have the same moisture. You can also use fresh cherries if they are in season.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: While I love semisweet, you could use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
Why is Proper Mixing Important for Cookie Texture?
Mixing the dough correctly is crucial for the cookie’s texture. Start by creaming your butter and sugars well, as this adds air and keeps the cookies soft. Then, when adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies as the gluten develops.
- Beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing only until blended.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution before adding to the wet mix.
- Fold in cherries and chocolate chips gently to keep those bits intact!
How to Make Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped (reserve some whole for garnish if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 9-11 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. Expect to spend about 30 minutes total from start to finish. It’s worth the wait when you have these tasty cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to go in. Also, line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together until it’s light and fluffy. This gives your cookies that perfect texture!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in each egg one at a time to ensure everything mixes well. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add lovely flavor to your cookies!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures they’re evenly distributed in the dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined; don’t overmix, or your cookies could turn out tough.
6. Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
Now for the best part! Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. The cherries will add a lovely sweetness, so be careful not to overmix to keep some chunks intact!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using rounded tablespoons, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart. If you’d like, press a whole maraschino cherry gently into the top of each cookie for a fun garnish!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake your cookies for about 9-11 minutes. They should look lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t worry, they’ll continue to firm up a bit as they cool!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This step helps them stay chewy!
10. Enjoy!
Now, it’s time to dig in! These festive, chewy maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies are perfect on their own, or enjoy them with a glass of cold milk. They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Happy baking! 🍪❤️
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Substitute the Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use dried cherries for a different flavor profile or even fresh cherries when they’re in season. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces and adjust the moisture if needed since fresh cherries can be juicier.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out. When you’re ready to bake, you might want to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
What If My Cookies Spread Too Much While Baking?
If your cookies spread too much during baking, it may be due to softened butter or not chilling the dough. For next time, try refrigerating the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better in the oven!
