Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that perfectly balances sweet and tart, look no further than Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. These delightful treats combine the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the unexpected twist of maraschino cherries, creating a chewy, colorful, and utterly delicious treat. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking repertoire!
Why It Deserves a Spot
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are not your average cookie. The bright pops of cherry add a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, semi-sweet chocolate chips. The addition of cherries not only elevates the taste but also adds a lovely visual appeal, making these cookies perfect for festive gatherings or a simple afternoon treat. The combination of textures—from the chewy cookie to the soft chocolate and juicy cherries—ensures each bite is a delightful experience. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or as a sweet snack later, these cookies are bound to become a favorite.
Ingredient Checklist
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 stick (12 tablespoons) of salted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, patted dry and chopped
- Flaked salt, for topping
Gear Checklist
- Mixing bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking!
- Cookie sheet: A standard baking tray for spreading your cookies.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack: Essential for cooling your cookies evenly.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking cookies, ensuring they come out golden and chewy.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 8: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Flaked Salt
Lightly sprinkle flaked salt on top of each cookie dough ball for an added touch of flavor.
Step 10: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Step 11: Cool
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the salted butter with a dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Slip-Ups to Skip
- Don’t skip chilling the dough if it feels too soft. A quick chill in the fridge for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading.
- Ensure your maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch the baking time closely; cookies can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To store your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Q&A
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake fresh cookies whenever you desire.
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?
If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, you can substitute them with dried cherries, cranberries, or even chopped fresh cherries when they are in season for a different flavor profile.
Can I add nuts to the cookie recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. Just be sure to adjust the amount of chocolate chips if you want to keep the balance of flavors.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be golden around the edges but still look slightly soft in the center. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture.
Weekend Projects
- Sally’s Baking Addiction for classic cookie recipes.
- Pinch of Yum for delicious and creative dessert ideas.
- Minimalist Baker for simple and easy-to-follow recipes.
Bring It Home
Baking Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is not just about enjoying a sweet treat; it’s about creating memories, whether you’re baking with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment with a warm cookie and a glass of milk. This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of happiness. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the joy of sharing these cookies with those around you!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking cookies, ensuring they come out golden and chewy.
- Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Step 7: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 8: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
- Step 9: Lightly sprinkle flaked salt on top of each cookie dough ball for an added touch of flavor.
- Step 10: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Step 11: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to prevent spreading.
