Introduction to Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Welcome to the delightful world of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! If you’re like me, you know that sometimes life calls for a sweet treat that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fruity sweetness and rich chocolate. They’re perfect for a quick solution on a busy day or a charming dessert to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported to cookie heaven. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a dream come true for any home baker. They come together quickly, making them perfect for those busy afternoons when you crave something sweet. The combination of chewy cherries and gooey chocolate creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring smiles all around. What’s not to love about that?

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking powder: This helps the cookies rise, giving them that soft, fluffy texture.
Baking soda: A little boost for leavening, ensuring your cookies don’t turn out flat.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture, making your cookies melt in your mouth.
Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives your cookies a lovely crisp edge.
Light brown sugar: Packed with moisture, it adds a hint of caramel flavor and chewiness.
Large egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this aromatic essence elevates the overall flavor.
Maraschino cherry juice: This sweet liquid infuses the dough with a fruity kick.
Chopped maraschino cherries: These little gems bring bursts of flavor and color to each bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The gooey chocolate is the star of the show, adding richness and indulgence.
Optional food coloring: A few drops can enhance the pink hue, making your cookies even more eye-catching.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to cookie bliss.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed. A well-mixed dry blend sets the stage for perfectly fluffy cookies!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness is key; it helps create a tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and maraschino cherry juice. Mix until everything is well combined. The cherry juice not only adds flavor but also gives the dough that lovely pink hue. It’s like a little burst of joy in every bite!

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that soft, chewy texture. If you see a few flour streaks, that’s perfectly fine!

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens, as the cherries and chocolate create a delightful contrast in every cookie.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling is essential; it prevents the cookies from overspreading while baking. Plus, it enhances the flavors, making each bite even more delicious!

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial for even baking. If the oven isn’t hot enough, your cookies might not rise properly, and we definitely want those soft, chewy centers!

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, scoop it into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a bit while baking. For a bakery-style look, press a few extra chocolate chips on top!

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different! You want that perfect balance of chewy and gooey.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time allows them to firm up a bit. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious!

Tips for Success

Always chill the dough for the best texture and to prevent spreading.
Use well-drained maraschino cherries to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.
For a deeper pink color, add a few drops of food coloring.
Don’t overmix the dough; a few flour streaks are okay!
Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties for unique flavors.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy; you can use any large bowl if needed.
Whisk: Essential for mixing dry ingredients; a fork works in a pinch.
Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter easier; a wooden spoon will do if you prefer a workout!
Baking sheet: A standard one is great; line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Scoop or spoon: For shaping cookies; a tablespoon works just fine!

Variations

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the chewy cookies.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Dark Chocolate Twist: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Cherry Almond Fusion: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to create a vegan-friendly treat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
For a festive touch, plate them on a colorful platter with fresh cherries.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

FAQs about Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

As I’ve baked these delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, I’ve come across a few common questions that might pop into your mind. Let’s tackle them together!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a lovely flavor, but make sure to pit and chop them first. Just keep in mind that they might add a bit more moisture, so adjust the recipe accordingly.

How do I store leftover cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.

What can I substitute for the egg?

If you need an egg substitute, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. Both work well in this recipe!

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Of course! Feel free to add more chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey experience. You can never have too much chocolate, right?

Final Thoughts

Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in your kitchen. The joy of mixing vibrant ingredients and watching them transform into delightful treats is truly special. Each bite offers a burst of fruity sweetness paired with rich chocolate, making them a favorite for gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo, these cookies bring a smile to your face. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and let the magic of baking fill your home with warmth and happiness!

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Delight!

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Author: Claire Weston
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: ~24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, chewy pink cookies bursting with maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips — a perfect blend of fruity sweetness and gooey chocolate.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup maraschino cherry juice (from jar)
¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained well, patted dry)
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Optional: a few drops red or pink food coloring for deeper color

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add egg, vanilla, and cherry juice. Mix until combined.
Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until dough forms.
Fold in chopped cherries and 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Cover and chill for 30 minutes (this prevents overspreading).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Scoop dough into balls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Press a few extra chocolate chips on top for a bakery-style look.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly soft.
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential for the best texture.
For a deeper color, add a few drops of food coloring.
Ensure cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg